Department for Transport

Public Transport: Coronavirus

Layla Moran: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what steps the Government is taking to use public transport capacity monitoring technology to help restore public confidence in the public transport network during the covid-19 outbreak.

Chris Heaton-Harris: The Department maintains regular contact with transport operators on a range of issues affecting the network, including capacity and messaging during the COVID-19 Pandemic. The rail industry supported by government is taking a variety of approaches to keep passengers informed about what’s happening across the rail network. National Rail Enquiries (NRE) is making a range of real time updates available across its platforms based on operational train data provided by the train operators and industry systems. Additionally, the NRE Alert Me service as announced by the Secretary of State at a No10 press conference on May 23rd  helps passengers to stagger their journeys and avoid busy hotspots on the rail network, allowing passengers to travel safely and maintain social distancing.To manage the expected increased demand for public transport, the Department is seeking to provide travel demand management support to local authorities in England outside London. However, it is clear that solutions must be locally led between transport authorities and operators.

Taxis: Coronavirus

Emma Hardy: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what plans he has to make the use of face coverings in taxis compulsory.

Rachel Maclean: The Government has published safer transport guidance on the safe provision of transport services during the coronavirus pandemic. The guidance to passengers says that passengers should wear a face covering when using taxis or private hire vehicles. Taxi drivers are able to refuse carriage to passengers where it is reasonable to do so, and private hire vehicle operators can make wearing a face covering a condition of hiring. We are aware of private hire vehicle operators that are doing this and requiring the driver they work with to do the same. We continually review guidance for safer transport in line with scientific advice.

Highway Code

Ruth Cadbury: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, with reference to his Department's document entitled, Cycling and Walking Investment Strategy: Safety Review, when his Department plans to commence its review of the Highway Code.

Chris Heaton-Harris: The Department has been working with interested groups to conduct a review of The Highway Code focused on improving safety for cyclists, pedestrians and horse-riders. We are hoping to consult on the proposed changes shortly.

Roads: Safety

Mr Barry Sheerman: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what comparative assessment his Department has made of road safety standards in the (a) UK and (b) US.

Andrew Stephenson: The Department for Transport has not made a comparative assessment between road safety standards in the UK and the USA because no direct comparison is possible.

Buses: Electric Vehicles

Sajid Javid: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what the proposed timeline is of the roll-out of the electric bus town scheme.

Rachel Maclean: We have received 19 expressions of interest in becoming Britain’s first All-Electric Bus Town, and each sets out a proposed timeline for roll-out. We expect to announce the phase one winner, who will proceed to develop a business case, over the summer. Further details, including confirmation of timings, will therefore be available in due course.

Motor Vehicles: Exhaust Emissions

Darren Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, with reference to his news story, Idling drivers could face higher fines under new government crackdown, published 29 June 2019, what progress he has made on proposals to charge idling drivers higher fines.

Andrew Stephenson: Existing guidance to Local Authorities makes clear that fines should be dispensed to motorists only as a last resort. The priority must be to change motorists’ behaviour – to encourage them not to idle, which after all is wasting their fuel, and instead to encourage motorists towards using the technological solutions now available.

Buses: Testing

Tom Tugendhat: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what estimate he has made of the additional Bus MOT testers required by the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency to test all vehicles due an MOT since March 2020.

Andrew Stephenson: In March 2020, the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) took the difficult decision to suspend most MOTs for lorries, buses and trailers to support the Government’s efforts to limit the spread of COVID-19.Since then it has been working hard to keep people safe, whilst still providing a critical worker testing service to support the national emergency response. The DVSA is managing the reintroduction of vehicle testing and demand for MOTs by: using existing testing resource efficiently through an overtime scheme and redeployment of duties; andimplementing a phased return to testing by:giving 2 three-month MOT exemptions to those vehicles whose MOTs were originally due in March and April, and;giving 1 three-month MOT exemption initially, to those vehicles whose MOTs were originally due from June – initially this will be done for those MOTs due in June, July and August.giving vehicles due an MOT in May an exemption until August.

Buses: Testing

Tom Tugendhat: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, whether his Department has made an assessment of the number of registered buses due an MOT before 30 November 2020.

Andrew Stephenson: The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) has carried out a detailed assessment of the number of registered buses due an MOT before 30 November 2020. Based on exemptions currently issued, the volume of tests due from July 2020 to November 2020 for all public service vehicles, which includes buses and coaches, is 52,500.

Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy

Personal Care Services: Coronavirus

Caroline Nokes: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, what evidence base the Government used to determine that beard trimming was safer than facial beauty treatments for the purposes of easing covid-19 lockdown restrictions.

Paul Scully: As defined by consultation with the industry and with medical advisors, the highest risk zone is the area in front of the face. SAGE has advised that the highest risk of transmission is through aerosols and droplets when people are in prolonged close, face-to-face contact within 2m.Services should only be provided where they can be carried out in a fully COVID-secure way, and away from the highest risk zone.For instance, beard services should only be provided where they can be carried out safely from the side or from behind to avoid the high-risk zone. Any intricate detailing, outlining or shaving of beards should not be carried out as this would be within the highest risk zone.Many of the treatments currently not allowed, such as facial beauty treatments, would require the practitioner to be very close to the highest risk zone in front of the client’s face for an extended period of time, thus increasing the risks for both client and practitioner. In these circumstances it would be best to avoid these treatments.The National Hair & Beauty Federation, British Association of Beauty Therapy & Cosmetology, and British Beauty Council have been consulted and support this approach, as the safety of their staff and customers is paramount. The Deputy Chief Medical Officer and Public Health England have also signed off this approach.

Personal Care Services: Coronavirus

Caroline Nokes: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, what evidence the Government used to assess the safety of facial beauty treatments carried out by a beautician from behind the head.

Paul Scully: We have worked closely with businesses and trade associations from the industry, as well as with medical experts, to determine both what is the highest risk zone and what services would fall within this zone. As defined by consultation with the industry and with medical advisors, the highest risk zone is the area in front of the face. SAGE has advised that the highest risk of transmission is through aerosols and droplets when people are in prolonged close, face-to-face contact within 2m. Services should only be provided where they can be carried out in a fully COVID-secure way, and away from the highest risk zone. For instance, beard services should only be provided where they can be carried out safely from the side or from behind to avoid the highest risk zone. Any intricate detailing, outlining or shaving of beards should not be carried out as this would be within the highest risk zone. The National Hair & Beauty Federation, British Association of Beauty Therapy & Cosmetology, and British Beauty Council have been consulted and support this approach, as the safety of their staff and customers is paramount. The Deputy Chief Medical Officer and Public Health England have also signed off this approach.

Personal Care Services: Coronavirus

Caroline Nokes: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, what guidance the Government issued prior to the reopening of hairdressers and barbers on 4 July 2020 on the prohibition of (a) eyebrow threading or trimming, (b) nose waxing and (c) beard trimming; and whether any subsequent such guidance was issued after 9 July 2020.

Paul Scully: The Government published pre-reopening guidance on 23 June for closed Close Contact Services. New guidance, including further detail of the ‘highest risk zone’ services, which remain unavailable, was published on 9 July.

Personal Care Services: Coronavirus

Caroline Nokes: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, for what reason makeup artists have been allowed to resume work for films but not for weddings.

Paul Scully: The application of makeup of performers in productions for the film and TV industry is undertaken by a limited number of professionals working with the limited number of performers in that production for the duration of that production.Make-up artists and other close contact commercial services work with whoever they have appointments with and the number of people, and hence different contacts, will far exceed the number on a production set.We have worked closely with businesses and trade associations from the industry, as well as with medical experts, to determine both what is the highest risk zone and what services would fall within this zone. The National Hair & Beauty Federation, British Association of Beauty Therapy & Cosmetology, and British Beauty Council have been consulted and support this approach, as the safety of their staff and customers is paramount. The Deputy Chief Medical Officer and Public Health England have also signed off this approach.

Hospitality Industry: Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme

Abena Oppong-Asare: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, what assessment he has made of the potential effect on the hospitality sector of ending the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme in October 2020.

Paul Scully: We have engaged closely with representatives from the hospitality sector to discuss i the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme and other issues. The Government will continue to work with the hospitality sector to ensure it is supported through the reopening period and its longer-term recovery following the Covid-19 outbreak. Recent announcements such as the Job Retention Bonus, the six-month temporary VAT reduction from 20% to 5% for the hospitality sector and the “Eat Out to Help Out” scheme that is running during August will all provide additional support for the sector.

Industry: Coronavirus

Abena Oppong-Asare: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, what recent discussions he has had with representatives from different industries and sectors on the effect of the covid-19 outbreak on those industries and sectors.

Paul Scully: My Rt. Hon. Friend the Secretary of State and other ministers at BEIS hold regular sector calls with all the industries that BEIS covers, including but not limited to sectors within manufacturing, energy, construction, life sciences, professional services, retail and hospitality. The industry representatives range from large to small businesses and trade associations. Additionally, since the start of the Covid-19 outbreak, the Secretary of State has held frequent group calls with the major business representative organisations that represent a wide range of businesses in sectors and regions. All these engagements have provided information on the impact of Covid-19 on industries and sectors, and have informed the response from BEIS and other Government departments. The BEIS ministerial team continues to use these on-going engagements to ensure the effectiveness of the Government’s responses to the Covid-19 outbreak and, as demonstrated by the Secretary of State’s recent industry roundtables on Economic Recovery, to ensure a safe return to work across the whole UK economy as quickly as possible.

Economic Situation: Sustainable Development

Abena Oppong-Asare: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, what plans he has to promote green jobs and investment as part of the economic recovery from the covid-19 outbreak.

Kwasi Kwarteng: In his speech of June 30, my Rt. Hon. Friend the Prime Minister made clear that in recovering from COVID-19, we must build back greener. This year alone, the government has set out billions in ambitious support for our low-carbon economy and green jobs. In the Chancellor’s economic update on July 8, over £3 billion investment was announced to decarbonise the UK’s buildings and transform energy efficiency in homes. This investment could support up to 140,000 green jobs.In addition, on 30 June, the Prime Minister announced the £40m Green Recovery Challenge Fund. This will help to restore nature and tackle climate change while also creating up to 3,000 jobs and safeguarding up to 2,000 others in conservation organisations and suppliers.These recent announcements build on investments outlined in the Spring Budget to support our low-carbon economy and green jobs including £1 billion for ultra-low emission vehicles including for charging infrastructure and plug-in grants and £800 million to capture carbon from power stations and industry.

Personal Care Services: Coronavirus

Caroline Nokes: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, what assessment he made of the relative speed of beard trimming for men  compared to eyebrow waxing for women as part of the decision for barbershops to reopen but not beauty salons as covid-19 lockdown restrictions are eased.

Paul Scully: We have set out clear steps that should be taken by businesses to keep customers safe in our COVID-secure guidelines. This guidance has been developed by BEIS with input from firms, unions and industry bodies, and in consultation with Public Health England and the Health and Safety Executive. Beauty services should only be provided where they can be carried out in a fully COVID-secure way, and away from the highest risk zone. For instance, beard services should only be provided where they can be carried out safely from the side or from behind to avoid the high-risk zone. Any intricate detailing, outlining or shaving of beards should not be carried out as this would be within the highest risk zone. Many of the treatments not allowed, for example eyebrow waxing, would require the practitioner to be very close to the highest risk zone in front of the client’s face for a extended period of time, thus increasing the risks for both client and practitioner. In these circumstances it would be best to avoid these treatments. We have worked closely with businesses and trade associations from the industry, as well as with medical experts, to determine both what is the highest risk zone and what services would fall within this zone. The National Hair & Beauty Federation, British Association of Beauty Therapy & Cosmetology, and British Beauty Council have been consulted and support this approach, as the safety of their staff and customers is paramount. The Deputy Chief Medical Officer and Public Health England have signed off this approach.

Personal Care Services: Coronavirus

Caroline Nokes: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, what risk assessment was carried out to assess the potential transmission of covid-19 during the process of (a) beard trimming with no face covering and (b) eyebrow shaping with a face covering.

Paul Scully: We have set out clear steps that should be taken by businesses to keep customers safe in our COVID-secure guidelines. This guidance has been developed by BEIS with input from firms, unions and industry bodies, and in consultation with Public Health England and the Health and Safety Executive. Beauty services should only be provided where they can be carried out in a fully COVID-secure way, and away from the highest risk zone. For instance, beard services should only be provided where they can be carried out safely from the side or from behind to avoid the high-risk zone. Any intricate detailing, outlining or shaving of beards should not be carried out as this would be within the highest risk zone. Many of the treatments not allowed, for example eyebrow waxing, would require the practitioner to be very close to the highest risk zone in front of the client’s face for a extended period of time, thus increasing the risks for both client and practitioner. In these circumstances it would be best to avoid these treatments. We have worked closely with businesses and trade associations from the industry, as well as with medical experts, to determine both what is the highest risk zone and what services would fall within this zone. The National Hair & Beauty Federation, British Association of Beauty Therapy & Cosmetology, and British Beauty Council have been consulted and support this approach, as the safety of their staff and customers is paramount. The Deputy Chief Medical Officer and Public Health England have signed off this approach.

Fuel Poverty: Canterbury

Rosie Duffield: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, how many households in Canterbury district council area that live in social housing are affected by fuel poverty.

Kwasi Kwarteng: The latest sub-regional data (2018) can be found in Fuel Poverty Sub-regional tables at https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/sub-regional-fuel-poverty-data-2020. Estimates are only available for the number of households and number and proportion of fuel poor households at sub-regional level. Estimates by tenure are not available. Information on the sub-regional methodology can be found at https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/fuel-poverty-sub-regional-methodology-and-documentation.

Personal Care Services: Coronavirus

Scott Benton: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, if he will publish the medical guidance underpinning the decision not to allow health and beauty salons to carry out certain treatments during the covid-19 outbreak in (a) Blackpool and (b) the UK.

Paul Scully: The Ministerial Taskforces have been getting scientific input from Public Health England (PHE) as they draft guidance. Each individual working group which produced the guidance published on 11 May had active PHE presence, and each set of guidance was produced in collaboration with them, the Health and Safety Executive and other Departments. This model was followed by the close contact services taskforce. The PHE staff who have supported the BEIS taskforces are in regular direct contact with those attending SAGE and have access to the PHE SAGE read-outs. They have endeavoured to reflect closely the SAGE recommendations and have also been responsible for putting some subjects pertinent to BEIS discussions to SAGE, such as persistence of COVID-19 on surfaces, and consideration of social distancing requirements under different scenarios. SAGE information is shared on its website: https://www.gov.uk/government/groups/scientific-advisory-group-for-emergencies-sage-coronavirus-covid-19-response.

Personal Care Services: Coronavirus

Scott Benton: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, what discussions he has had with representatives of the health and beauty industry on devising safe working practices to allow the resumption of those treatments which cannot currently be carried out safely.

Paul Scully: The Close Contact Services taskforce comprised stakeholders from a cross section of the sector, including representative organisations. We consulted these stakeholders due to their expertise and real-life knowledge and experience of the challenges faced by the industry during the COVID-19 outbreak.This taskforce was responsible for developing guidance to help businesses in this sector prepare to reopen safely, and representations have included:All Party Parliamentary Group for Beauty, Aesthetics and WellbeingAssociated Beauty TherapistsCoalition letter from 180 businesses in the beauty, aesthetics, spa and wellness industryThe National Hair and Beauty Federation. Any Ministerial meeting information will be shared in due course on: https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/beis-ministerial-gifts-hospitality-travel-and-meetings.

Tourist Attractions: Government Assistance

Cat Smith: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, what level of support Windermere Lake Cruises has received through business support schemes as a result of the covid-19 outbreak to date.

Paul Scully: The Government has introduced an unprecedented package of support for businesses, including loan schemes, grant funding and wage packages. Businesses from most sectors are able to access this support, provided they meet the eligibility criteria for the schemes for which they are applying. We do not hold information on the support accessed by individual businesses such as Windermere Lake Cruises.

Inland Waterways: Government Assistance

Cat Smith: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, how much funding from the public purse has been disbursed to each region through (a) the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme, (b) loans, (c) cash grants and (d) tax relief to the inland waterways sector to help tackle the economic effect of the covid-19 outbreak on businesses in that sector.

Paul Scully: The Government has introduced an unprecedented package of support for businesses, including loan schemes, grant funding and wage packages. Businesses from most sectors, are able to access this support, provided they meet the eligibility criteria for the schemes for which they are applying. We do not hold information that would allow us to identify the support accessed by individual businesses or individual sectors such as inland waterways across the package of Government support.

OneWeb

Chi Onwurah: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, pursuant to the Answer of 14 July 2020 to Question 69544 on OneWeb, whether his scientific advisers recommend the purchase of Oneweb.

Amanda Solloway: My Rt. Hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy took advice from experts across government to provide detailed scrutiny of the commercial, financial and scientific rationales for investment. In light of this, the decision was made to invest in OneWeb, promoting the UK focus in research and innovation and putting Britain at the cutting edge of the latest advances in space technology.

Private Rented Housing: Energy

Richard Fuller: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, how many landlords have registered an exemption from having to meet the minimum energy efficiency standards.

Kwasi Kwarteng: As of 1 July 2020, 9580 exemptions had been registered on the Private Rented Sector Exemptions Register. Of these, 9269 were for domestic properties and 311 for non-domestic properties.

Carbon Emissions

Alex Sobel: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, whether the proposed Energy White Paper will include an assessment of the role of flexibility in meeting net zero climate targets.

Kwasi Kwarteng: My Rt. Hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy has set out his intention to publish the Energy White Paper this Autumn. The Energy White Paper will address the transformation of our energy system as we deliver net-zero emissions by 2050. We have taken clear actions to enable flexibility through our Smart Systems and Flexibility Plan, including reforming markets so that they properly reward flexibility, removing barriers for flexible technologies, and investing in flexible innovation.

Flexible Working

Karin Smyth: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, pursuant to the Answer of 2 July 2020 to Question 64958 on Females: Coronavirus, what steps the Government is taking to ensure that the cultural shift in flexible working for all during the covid-19 outbreak is embedded in future workforce practices.

Paul Scully: The Government is clear about the benefits of flexible working for employers and their employees. Since Covid-19 measures were introduced many more people have been working from home with many businesses rapidly adapting to remote working, using new technology and finding new ways of working. As we move beyond the current situation we are keen to do more to promote flexible working in all its forms. All employees with 26 weeks’ continuous service with their employer have the right to request Flexible Working. In our manifesto we committed to take this further and we will be looking at this in light of COVID.

Trade Marks: Legal Opinion

Chi Onwurah: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, what plans he has in place to ensure that EEA trademark attorneys do not have the right to appear before the UK Intellectual Property Office at the end of the transition period.

Amanda Solloway: Officials at the Intellectual Property Office are exploring options in relation to the rules on address for service once the transition period ends. They plan to carry out a ‘call for views’ as soon as possible, to enable them to consider what options suit representatives and applicants.

Newton Fund

Chi Onwurah: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, what steps he has taken in the last 12 months to tackle concerns about the Newton Fund as expressed in the July 2019 Independent Commission for Aid Impact report; and what proportion of the 2020-21 research and development budget he plans to allocate to the Newton Fund.

Amanda Solloway: In the year since the publication of the ICAI Report, we have implemented many of the ICAI’s recommendations and we are making significant progress in all areas of our Funds’ operations, working closely with our UK and international partners.This is set out in the Government’s evidence provided to the International Development Sub-Committee on ICAI (https://committees.parliament.uk/writtenevidence/2189/html/).ICAI themselves have recognised much of the progress made, in their follow-up review published today.The Newton Fund 2020-21 allocation (revised to £107m) reflects 1% of the Department’s total 2020-21 R&D budget (£10,361m).

Medicine: Research

Chi Onwurah: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, what plans he has to increase funding allocated to medical research in the North East.

Amanda Solloway: In 2018, UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) spent over £32m on health-related research in the North East. UKRI, funds medical research primarily through the Medical Research Council (MRC). UKRI welcomes investigator-led proposals from the North-East and a key consideration for a future strategy is how UKRI research can best benefit the regions in the UK. The MRC has a number of investments based in the North East including the MRC-Arthritis Research UK Centre for Integrated Musculoskeletal Research which is a collaboration between research and clinicians at Newcastle University, the University of Liverpool and the University of Sheffield. The Centre will focus on understanding 1) how muscles, bones and joints change as we age, 2) how this makes some people prone to problem with tissues such as arthritis, and 3) what each person can do to reduce the risk of developing these problems. Another recent investment based in the North East includes the UK National Innovation Centre for Ageing based at Newcastle University which brings together scientists, industry, the NHS, the charitable and public sectors to bring products to market that optimise health and wellbeing as people age.

Carbon Emissions

Ruth Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, what plans the Government has to help ensure that investment in economic recovery supports meeting the target of net zero emissions by 2050.

Kwasi Kwarteng: My Rt. Hon. Friend the Prime Minister has made clear our intention to build back greener. We are taking action in every sector of the economy: we announced over £3 billion for decarbonising the UK’s buildings and delivering green jobs; £1 billion for charging infrastructure and extending Plug in-Grants to 2023 for ultra-low emission vehicles; £800 million to capture carbon from power stations and industry; £640 million Nature for Climate Fund; and £100 million R&D into Direct Air Capture. In March, we published the first phase of our transport decarbonisation plan and will be setting our further plans on energy, heat and buildings and the natural environment later this year and early next year, in the run up to COP26. We will continue to build on these steps and deliver a stronger, greener, more sustainable economy after this pandemic.

Foreign and Commonwealth Office

Biodiversity and Climate Change: International Cooperation

Bim Afolami: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what plans the Government has to [demonstrate global leadership] at the (a) UN General Assembly Leader’s Biodiversity Summit, (b) over the next year and (c) during the UK's presidency of COP26.

James Duddridge: The UK is committed to tackling climate change, which is why we bid to host COP26 in Glasgow in partnership with Italy. Through diplomatic effort, in both bilateral and multilateral fora, and working with governments, businesses, and civil societies, we are calling for all countries to bring forward long-term climate strategies and are leading the world's response to tackle climate change. As the first country to legislate to end our contribution to global warming, the UK is leading by example as a global force for good. We have also committed to doubling the UK's International Climate Finance funding to at least £11.6 billion between 2021/22 and 2025/26. Humanity faces the twin threats of climate change and biodiversity loss. These are two sides of the same coin; it is impossible to solve one without fixing the other. The conventions on biological diversity (COP15) and climate (COP26) provide excellent opportunities to take effective action on climate change and biodiversity loss and deliver a step change on both of these global crises.We will support the adoption of ambitious and practical targets on nature at the UN Convention on Biological Diversity Summit (COP15) in China next year, strengthened by coherent implementation mechanisms that will deliver a new global biodiversity framework that is commensurate with the scale of the challenge. Nature is also a top priority for our upcoming Presidency of COP26 next year and we are pushing for tangible and ambitious commitments from partner governments to champion nature and nature-based solutions. Given this, and the multi-faceted benefits of nature-based solutions, we are working with the Chinese Government, who are hosting COP15, to press for mutually reinforcing outcomes at the two Conferences. In addition, we will continue leading global ambition on conserving endangered species, following our hosting of the international Illegal Wildlife Trade Conference in 2018.

Eritrea: Detainees

John McDonnell: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, if he will make representations to the Government of Eritrea on reforming its policies that breach the human rights of (a) prisoners who have never been charged nor presented to a court of law but kept imprisoned without due legal process and incommunicado for decades and (b) other citizens.

James Duddridge: The UK Government, along with partners in the international community, has taken every opportunity to voice our concern about arbitrary arrests and detentions in Eritrea, and has called for the release of those arrested and detained in this way. We have done so directly with the Government of Eritrea and publicly at the Human Rights Council (HRC) in Geneva, most recently on 30 June at the 44th Session. Over the past year, our Ambassador in Asmara has raised the cases of journalists detained without trial, as well as members of non-registered religious groups. We do not have a regular dialogue but we will continue to seek opportunities to raise these cases in our engagements.On 26 February, the UK's International Ambassador for Human Rights, Rita French, delivered a statement during the 43rd Session of the HRC, expressing concern at continuing human rights abuses and said that the UK would continue to press for the release of arbitrarily detained individuals. Eritrea remains a priority country for the FCO under our annual human rights reporting, and we will continue to monitor the situation there.

Eritrea: Human Rights

John McDonnell: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, if he will make representations to the UN Security Council on the Eritrean Government's denial of access to the Red Sea for the Southern Red Sea people.

James Duddridge: The UK has not been able to verify reports that the Government of Eritrea is targeting the Southern Red Sea Afar people and denying them access to the Red Sea. The UK is informed by reporting from the UN Special Rapporteur on Eritrea, who regularly monitors the human rights situation in the country, but she has not been allowed to visit herself. We note that her latest report refers to the reported marginalization of the Afar people. We will maintain contact with her office as we seek to establish the facts. The UK strongly supports the important work that she does in challenging the Government of Eritrea to improve its human rights record. This was reiterated by the UK in our statement at the Human Rights Council (HRC) on 30 June. Eritrea remains a priority country for the FCO under our annual human rights reporting, and we will continue to monitor the situation there.

Bahrain: Capital Punishment

Lisa Nandy: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, when he next plans to make representations to his Bahraini counterpart on the decision by Bahrain’s Court of Cassation to uphold the death sentences against Mohammed Ramadhan and Husain Moosa on 13 July 2020; and if he will make a statement.

James Cleverly: Holding answer received on 22 July 2020



We are deeply concerned that the death penalty verdicts imposed on Mohammed Ramadhan and Husain Moosa by Bahrain's Court of Cassation have been upheld. Lord Ahmad, who is the Minister of State responsible for human rights, reinforced this position in his statement of 14 July. We have raised both cases at senior levels with the Government of Bahrain, including by Lord Ahmad with the Bahraini Ambassador to the UK on 14 July. The Bahraini Government is fully aware that the UK opposes the death penalty, in all circumstances, as a matter of principle.

Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe

Ruth Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what recent discussions he has had with the Iranian Government on the release of Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe.

James Cleverly: Holding answer received on 21 July 2020



The Government remains extremely concerned about the welfare of British-Iranian dual nationals detained in Iran, including Nazanin Zaghari-Radcliffe. Iran does not recognise dual nationality and therefore does not permit access to British-Iranian detainees.We continue to urge the Iranian Government to release immediately all UK dual nationals arbitrarily detained in Iran, and enable them to return to their families in the UK.We continue to raise their cases at the most senior levels in Iran, discussing them at every opportunity with our Iranian counterparts. Our Ambassador in Tehran consistently raises all of our dual national detainees cases with the Iranian Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Our Embassy in Tehran continues to request consular access to our detained dual nationals, and we have been supporting their families in the UK with regular meetings and calls.

Department of Health and Social Care

Coronavirus: Rehabilitation

Christian Matheson: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, if he will make it his policy to publish statistics at regular intervals on the number of people that have been treated in hospital and recovered from covid-19.

Edward Argar: Information on the number of people who have been admitted to hospital with COVID-19 is routinely published on the GOV.UK website at the following link:https://coronavirus-staging.data.gov.uk/healthcareIn terms of the number of people who have recovered from COVID-19, the figures are difficult to quantify as people recover to different levels and in different settings. Not all recovery cases are picked up through data collections.

Cleft Palate: Medical Treatments

Scott Benton: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what treatment is available to people born with a cleft lip.

Helen Whately: NHS England commissions all specialist cleft lip services provided by Cleft Lip and Palate Centres, including services delivered on an outreach basis as part of a clinical network of services. The service provides surgery and specialist care for patients with cleft lip and non-cleft velopharyngeal dysfunction in order to ensure that patients achieve an aesthetic and functional facial appearance, and to maximise oral feeding, hearing, speech and psycho-social wellbeing.Care covers pre-natal and post-natal diagnosis and advice including feeding advice, corrective surgery including specialist and outreach nursing, lip and palate repair, speech assessment, investigation and treatment/surgery, children’s dentistry, bone grafting, orthodontics, dento-alveolar surgery, restorative dentistry including implant treatment, rhinoplasty, orthognathic surgery, audiology/Ear Nose and Throat (ENT) (hearing and ENT problems), clinical psychology, genetics, and revision treatment.

Disability: Equality

Carla Lockhart: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what steps he is taking to help ensure that people born with a cleft lip, cleft palate, or clubfoot are valued equally in society.

Helen Whately: The Government wants all children to lead happy and healthy lives to reach their full potential and is committed to improving everyone’s health. The Equality Act 2010 legally protects people from discrimination in the workplace and in wider society.

Coronavirus: Ethnic Groups

Mr Andrew Mitchell: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, with reference to the report published by Public Health England on 2 June 2020 entitled Disparities in the risk and outcomes of covid-19, what steps he is taking to increase protections for BAME communities against covid-19.

Jo Churchill: The Minister for Equalities is working with the Race Disparity Unit and the Department for Health and Social Care to carry forward work to better understand the key drivers of the disparities outlined in the Public Health England report and the relationship between the risk factors. The terms of reference for this work were announced by the Minister on 4 June.The terms of reference for this work can be accessed from the following link: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/next-steps-for-work-on-covid-19-disparities-announced

Dementia: Coronavirus

Helen Hayes: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, whether the covid-19 social care taskforce plans to make an assessment of the effect of covid-19 on people affected by dementia.

Helen Whately: Holding answer received on 25 June 2020



The impact of COVID-19 on people affected by dementia is one of the strands of work for the Social Care Sector COVID-19 Support Taskforce.The Social Care Sector COVID-19 Support Taskforce will ensure the delivery of two packages of support that the Government has put in place for the care sector and will be supported by several advisory groups including one on support for older people and people living with dementia.We are monitoring the impact of the pandemic. We have commissioned research through the National Institute for Health Research on how to manage or mitigate the psychological, physical and social impact of COVID-19 on people with dementia living in the community, and their carers. Work has already started with phased outputs to August 2020. The project has produced a leaflet for people living with dementia, and a leaflet for carers of people living with dementia. These are available at the following link:http://www.idealproject.org.uk/covid/

Home Care Services: Protective Clothing

Abena Oppong-Asare: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what steps he is taking to ensure that (a) domiciliary carers and (b) the personal assistants of disabled people are equipped with personal protective equipment.

Helen Whately: The Government is doing everything it can to get domiciliary carers and social care workers the personal protective equipment (PPE) they need to provide care and support safely. On 11 May, we published guidance to support the health and wellbeing of those in the adult social care workforce. As part of our commitment to ensure that social care receives the PPE it needs, we continue to supply PPE to selected wholesalers to support social care. Additionally, we deliver PPE to all Local Resilience Forums to allow them to respond to urgent local spikes in need across the adult social care system. The National Supply Disruption Response operates a 24-hour helpline that can also respond to emergency PPE requests. Finally, we are rolling out a PPE Portal to help primary and social care providers to order critical PPE.

Social Services: Finance

Tracey Crouch: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what assessment has he made of the potential merits of allocating additional investment to adult social care to support his proposals to revitalise the economy.

Helen Whately: We have now made £3.7 billion available to local authorities so they can address pressures on local services caused by the pandemic, including in adult social care. On 15 May we published details of an additional £600 million Infection Control Fund for Adult Social Care. The Government will continue to monitor pressures in the National Health Service and local government and will keep future funding under review. We are committed to bringing forward a plan for social care to ensure that everyone is treated with dignity and respect and to find long term solutions for one of the biggest challenges we face as a society.

NHS and Social Care Coronavirus Life Assurance Scheme 2020

Layla Moran: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, how many and what proportion of claims to the NHS and Social Care Coronavirus Life Assurance Scheme 2020 have been successful.

Layla Moran: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what estimate he has made of the cost to the public purse of claims made (a) successfully and (b) overall to the NHS and Social Care Coronavirus Life Assurance Scheme 2020.

Helen Whately: Holding answer received on 13 July 2020



The NHS and Social Care Coronavirus Life Assurance (England) Scheme 2020 opened on 20 May 2020. As of 8 July 2020, 51 claim forms have been received, 19 of these have been assessed as eligible and the families notified that the lump sum will be paid once probate is received. The other 32 claim forms are currently being considered and no decision has yet been made. No claim form has yet been found to be ineligible.No estimate has been made of the costs of successful claims although the upper limit will be the total number of COVID-19 deaths of health and social care staff. Mortality data from the Office for National Statistics shows there were 272 health care deaths and 268 social care deaths involving COVID-19 registered between 9 March and 25 May 2020 (in England, of those aged 20-64 years).

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome: Research

Sir Paul Beresford: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, how much Government funding was allocated to biomedical research into myalgic encephalomyelitis in the financial years (a) 2017-18, (b) 2018-19 and (c) 2019-20.

Helen Whately: The following table shows how much Government funding was allocated to biomedical research into myalgic encephalomyelitis (ME), also known as chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) for financial years 2017-18, 2018-19 and 2019-20.Financial Year£2017-18226,4702018-19396,4672019-20443,719 In addition to the funding set out above, the National Institute for Health Research, funded through the Department, and the Medical Research Council have recently announced a £3.2 million award to fund research into potential genetic connections to ME/CFS. The project will analyse samples from 20,000 people with ME/CFS to search for genetic differences that may indicate underlying causes or increase the risk of developing the condition.

NHS and Social Care Coronavirus Life Assurance Scheme 2020

Justin Madders: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, how many applications have (a) been made and (b) accepted under the NHS and Social Care Coronavirus Life Assurance scheme since its introduction.

Helen Whately: Holding answer received on 13 July 2020



The NHS and Social Care Coronavirus Life Assurance (England) Scheme 2020 opened on 20 May 2020. As of 8 July 2020, 51 claim forms have been received, 19 of these have been assessed as eligible and the families notified that the lump sum will be paid once probate is received. The remaining 32 claim forms are currently being considered and no decision has yet been made.

Tinnitus: Research

Zarah Sultana: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what plans his Department has to increase funding from the public purse for research on tinnitus cures.

Helen Whately: The Department’s National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) welcomes funding applications for research into any aspect of human health, including tinnitus. Applications are subject to peer review and judged in open competition, with awards being made on the basis of the importance of the topic to patients and health and care services, value for money and scientific quality. Information on individual projects funded by the NIHR can be found at the following link:https://www.journalslibrary.nihr.ac.uk/programmes/The NIHR’s support for tinnitus research was over £1.8 million between 2015/16 and 2019/20. This included funding for research projects, and funding for NIHR-managed infrastructure to support tinnitus research. Current NIHR funding includes £15 million over five years from April 2017 to support deafness and hearing loss research in the NIHR’s Manchester, University College London, and Nottingham Biomedical Research Centres (BRCs). The Nottingham BRC has a core research theme on tinnitus and noise sensitivity.

Coronavirus: Research

Olivia Blake: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what funding he is making available to research projects on the long term health effects of covid-19.

Helen Whately: Holding answer received on 13 July 2020



The Department invests £ 1billion per year in health research through the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR). The NIHR continues to play a critical role in prioritising, funding and delivering research into COVID-19. The NIHR Recovery and Learning Call is currently open to researchers to submit proposals on the long-term health effects of COVID-19.The NIHR Recovery and Learning Call will fund research to better understand and manage the health and social care consequences of the global COVID-19 pandemic. This follows on from the UK Research and Innovation (UKRI)-NIHR Rapid Response Call and the UKRI-NIHR Rapid Rolling Call for research that aims to make a significant contribution to the understanding, prevention and/or management of COVID-19.The NIHR and UKRI have invested £8.4 million in the Post-HOSPitalisation COVID-19 study (PHOSP-COVID), led by Christopher Brightling at the University of Leicester. This study is one of the world’s largest comprehensive research studies into the long-term health impacts of COVID-19 on hospitalised patients.

Hospitals: Staff

Jonathan Ashworth: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what the total cost to NHS hospitals was of using (a) agency staff and (b) bank staff in each year since 2010-11.

Helen Whately: Holding answer received on 13 July 2020



The following table below sets out expenditure data for National Health Service trusts and foundation trusts with a split between bank staff and agency staff for the previous three financial years, which represents a decrease in agency spend since 2015. Prior to 2017-18, total expenditure costs for agency and bank staff were not separately identifiable by the Department. NHS Provider Expenditure £ billion2017-182018-192019-20Bank staff including on-costs3.03.53.8Agency/contract2.42.42.4Total5.45.96.2 Source: NHS England and NHS Improvement

Care Act 2014

Kerry McCarthy: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what plans he has to immediately restore the full duties of the Care Act 2014.

Helen Whately: Public safety throughout this period is the Government’s top priority, including for those who need care and support. The changes to the Care Act 2014 duties on local authorities are kept under regular review and the Secretary of State will suspend them based on expert clinical and social care advice, including findings of the Chief Social Workers, in accordance with the Coronavirus Act 2020. This review is reported to Parliament every two months and the latest review confirms that the changes will remain in place for the time being, in line with this advice.

Streptococcus: Clinical Trials

Steve Brine: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what progress has been made on the Group B Streptococcus testing GBS3 trial; and when that trail is expecting to resume as covid-19 lockdown restrictions are eased.

Helen Whately: As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, some aspects of the GBS3 trial were stopped temporarily, including the randomisation of sites to the different arms of the trial and recruitment of participants. However, the team continued with other research related tasks to ensure smooth site opening for the trial re-start.Training, randomisation and opening of sites to the trial requires the full engagement of maternity and microbiology services. The GBS3 trial hopes to randomise the first sites in September and begin recruiting women early in 2021 but this is dependent on the status of services at the time. The National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) has set out the Restart Framework to guide the restart of NIHR research activities which is available at the following link:https://www.nihr.ac.uk/documents/restart-framework/24886

Care Homes: Coronavirus

Zarah Sultana: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, whether it is Public Health England or private contractors who have the authority to confirm a covid-19 outbreak within a care home or Housing with Care facility.

Helen Whately: A suspected COVID-19 outbreak in a care home is confirmed by Public Health England (PHE) where two or more residents or members of staff have laboratory confirmed COVID-19 or have reported symptoms consistent with COVID-19.A clear definition of a suspected or confirmed case COVID-19 outbreak in a care home has been determined by PHE and the Department. This is published in Annex B of guidance on the Admission and Care of Residents in a Care Home during COVID-19 which is available at the following link:https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/coronavirus-covid-19-admission-and-care-of-people-in-care-homes

Income Support

Mrs Flick Drummond: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, whether he has plans to increase the level of the (a) personal expense allowance and (b) minimum income guarantee in line with the 2020 benefits up-rating.

Helen Whately: The financial allowances including the personal expense allowance and minimum income guarantee rates are reviewed annually.Future funding for social care will be set out at the next spending review.

Department for Health and Social Care: Photographs

Layla Moran: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what the cost to the public purse has been of private photographers for his Department in each of the last 12 months.

Edward Argar: Holding answer received on 15 July 2020



This data is not centrally held.

Capita: Pensions

Julian Sturdy: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what assessment his Department has made of the adequacy of Capita's performance as the contractor administering the NHS pension scheme for doctors.

Helen Whately: The NHS Pension Scheme requires participating employers to perform certain duties including remittance of scheme contributions and providing information on employment and pension records. NHS England and NHS Improvement are the responsible employer for performing such duties in relation to general practitioner (GP) contractors, surgery based salaried GPs and freelance GP locums in England. In September 2015 they contracted Capita to provide a service administering these functions on their behalf.Whilst Capita are reliant on GP practices to submit information promptly, several historic and current issues relating to the administration of GP pension records have been identified. NHS England and NHS Improvement have initiated a comprehensive action plan to remedy the situation, working closely with the Scheme Administrator and in dialogue with The Pensions Regulator and the British Medical Association.

Continuing Care: Internet

Mary Glindon: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what steps he has taken to ensure that virtual NHS continuing healthcare (a) assessments and (b) services undertaken during the covid-19 outbreak were (i) effective and (ii) complied with National Framework guidance.

Mary Glindon: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what plans he has to issue guidance on the (a) monitoring and (b) evaluation of the quality of virtual NHS continuing healthcare assessments (i) during and (ii) after the covid-19 outbreak.

Mary Glindon: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what steps he is taking to that virtual NHS continuing healthcare assessments are compliant with the Equality Act 2010 in relation to reasonable adjustments for people that need them.

Helen Whately: During the COVID-19 emergency period, National Health Service Continuing Healthcare (CHC) assessments have not been required due to changes made under section 14 of the Coronavirus Act 2020. Where CHC assessments have continued during the emergency period, these must be compliant with the NHS Commissioning Board and Clinical Commissioning Groups (CCGs) Regulations 2012 and the CHC National Framework.CCGs may use a number of approaches to arrange Multidisciplinary Team assessments, including video conference. Preferences for how these are carried out should be indicated by the individual being assessed or their representatives.To ensure the delivery of high-quality assessments, there is a detailed review process for eligibility decisions if an individual is dissatisfied with the outcome.

Health Services: Shropshire

Daniel Kawczynski: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, with reference to the increase in the cost of implementing the reconfiguration of Health Care Services in Shropshire since the decision to reconfigure those services was taken; whether the additional funding of £134m be made available so that building work can commence in 2022.

Edward Argar: We will continue to support Shrewsbury and Telford Hospital NHS Trust to progress the Shropshire Future Fit scheme, including identifying suitable acceleration opportunities to speed up delivery overall. This could include providing funding for enabling works to allow construction to begin in advance of Full Business Case approval.Recent improvements have been introduced to support projects centrally, for example a streamlined business case process with joint central approvals. In addition, our work on hospital design standards also provides a stronger approach to project delivery, to ensure that funding is reaching the frontline as soon and efficiently as possible.

Hospitals: Medical Treatments

Ben Lake: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what the average daily per patient cost is of hospital treatment.

Edward Argar: The Department does not hold the information requested.

Social Workers: Coronavirus

Alex Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, with reference to the Social Workers Union's (SWU) Social Work’s Six-Point Urgent Action Plan published on 9 July 2020, what assessment he has made of the SWU finding that social workers have faced traumatic experiences during the covid-19 outbreak; and if he will make a statement.

Helen Whately: Holding answer received on 20 July 2020



We are committed to providing ongoing support to make sure social workers feel safe, supported, valued and able to continue the exceptional work they do to support people who need care and support. We have provided a £5 million grant for leading mental health charities to fund additional services to promote people’s positive mental health and emotional wellbeing.The Chief Social Workers for Adults are in regular conversations with the Association of Directors of Adult Social Services, the British Association of Social Workers, Social Work England and Principal Social Workers across the country to ensure concerns are responded to as soon as they arise. In partnership with The Tavistock and Portman NHS Foundation Trust, they have developed dedicated guidance for the support and wellbeing of adult social workers during the COVID-19 outbreak.

Care Homes: Coronavirus

Gill Furniss: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, when he plans to allow family visits to residential care homes in England as covid-19 lockdown restrictions are eased.

Helen Whately: Holding answer received on 20 July 2020



We are aware that limiting visits in care homes is difficult for many families and residents who want to see their loved ones. All our guidance is designed with care users in mind, to ensure that individuals are treated with dignity and respect and that their particular needs are addressed. While we have recommended that care homes limit visits, we are clear that some visits, such as visits at the end of life, are important both for the individual and their loved ones and should continue with appropriate infection control precautions. We are reviewing our policy on visitors and are looking to update our guidance shortly.

Coronavirus: Gloucestershire

Mr Mark Harper: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, how much additional funding has been allocated to the NHS in Gloucestershire for 2020-21 in response to the covid-19 outbreak, by NHS Trust.

Edward Argar: Holding answer received on 20 July 2020



As NHS England announced on 17 March, under the temporary finance regime that has been put in place, all National Health Service trusts are being reimbursed for the extra costs of responding to the COVID-19 emergency. To the end of June 2020, NHS trusts in Gloucestershire have received the following reimbursements: Organisation NameYear To Date Payments (£ million)Gloucestershire Health and Care NHS Foundation Trust0.6Gloucestershire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust3.5South Western Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust5.9

Department of Health and Social Care: Apprentices

Robert Halfon: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what steps his Department is taking to reach the public sector apprenticeship target.

Edward Argar: Holding answer received on 20 July 2020



The Department has taken a proactive approach to apprenticeships and is working to embed apprenticeships so that they are a core part of our learning and development offer. We continue to increase the take-up of apprenticeships year on year and apprentices currently make up 2.5% of the Department’s 1,808 workforce.We are refreshing our apprenticeship strategy and working on our engagement strategy across the Department to continue raising awareness.We are continuing with our proactive approach to align apprenticeships opportunities more closely with our recruitment activity.

Social Workers: Pay

Ms Harriet Harman: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what plans he has to increase pay for social care workers.

Helen Whately: Holding answer received on 20 July 2020



The Government does not set the levels of pay for social care workers; however, we are committed to raising the profile of the social care sector. Putting social care on a sustainable footing, where everyone is treated with dignity and respect, is one of the biggest challenges that we face as a society. There are complex questions to address, which is why we have invited cross-party talks. These will take place at the earliest opportunity in light of the current circumstances. The Government will then bring forward a plan for social care for the longer term.

Social Workers: Food Banks

Ms Harriet Harman: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what estimate he has made of the number of social care workers using food banks.

Helen Whately: Holding answer received on 20 July 2020



No such assessment had been made; the Government does not collect data on the number of food parcels distributed by food banks and there is no official data on food bank use in the United Kingdom.

Multiple Sclerosis

Rosie Cooper: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what estimate his Department has made of the number of people affected by secondary progressive multiple sclerosis.

Rosie Cooper: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what steps his Department is taking to improve the diagnosis of secondary progressive multiple sclerosis.

Helen Whately: Holding answer received on 20 July 2020



The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence estimates that secondary progressive multiple sclerosis (MS) affects around 9,000 people in England. Secondary progressive MS is a stage which comes after relapsing remitting MS for many people with the condition. After a diagnosis of relapsing remitting MS has been established, clinicians will observe the patient's symptoms over a period of time, in order to determine if they are associated with secondary progressive MS. With this type of MS, a person’s disability gets steadily worse and they are less likely to have relapses (when symptoms get worse but then get better).

Multiple Sclerosis: Health Services

Rosie Cooper: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what support his Department is providing to local NHS services to improve the care of people with secondary progressive multiple sclerosis.

Rosie Cooper: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what steps his Department is taking to improve outcomes for people living with secondary progressive multiple sclerosis.

Helen Whately: In order to improve the care and outcomes for people with progressive neurological conditions, such as secondary progressive multiple sclerosis (MS), NHS England and NHS Improvement produced a progressive neurological conditions RightCare toolkit, in collaboration with key stakeholders such as the MS Trust and the MS Society. This toolkit supports systems to understand the priorities in care for people living with various progressive neurological conditions, in line with best practice guidelines. The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) guideline ‘Multiple sclerosis in adults: management’, updated in 2019 sets out best practice on the diagnosis, treatment, care and support of people MS. On secondary progressive MS, the guidance sets out that “While a variety of symptomatic treatments is available, progression in secondary progressive MS is currently intractable, and immunomodulatory strategies used for relapse remitting MS have not proven effective when extended into secondary progressive MS.”

Department for International Development

Overseas Aid: Minority Groups

Andrew Selous: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development, what steps her Department has taken to develop practical programmes of assistance which take into account the specific contexts and needs of vulnerable (a) religious communities and (b) other groups.

Nigel Adams: The UK is firmly committed to the protection of ethnic and religious minorities. We work to ensure that the specific contexts and needs of vulnerable religious communities and other vulnerable groups are taken into account when practical programmes of assistance are developed.DFID undertakes interdisciplinary analysis to ensure that religious groups are factored into all of our country programmes. The situation of minority communities is taken into account when assessing those most in need of protection and assistance. This includes when a community is being targeted or is otherwise vulnerable because of their faith. We actively consult civil society including faith-based organisations to understand how best to support vulnerable groups.Vulnerable religious minority groups will experience crises such as COVID-19 outbreaks differently. Crises are likely to reinforce their marginalised position in society, their experience of discrimination, violence and stigma, and further limit their access to essential support and services. For this reason, guidance was circulated across DFID highlighting that inclusion must be central to our response and the specific contexts and needs of vulnerable religious communities and other vulnerable groups should be taken into account when developing practical programmes of assistance.On 8 June, Lord (Tariq) Ahmad of Wimbledon, Minister of State responsible for Human Rights, hosted a roundtable to hear from faith leaders and faith-based development organisations about the specific challenges minority faith communities are facing during this COVID-19 pandemic. We will continue to work closely with partners to ensure that vulnerable religious communities and other vulnerable groups are being supported through our programming.

Developing Countries: Coronavirus

Alexander Stafford: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development, what assessment she has made of the effect of increasing national debt on the financial stability of developing nations affected by the covid-19 pandemic.

James Duddridge: The UK Government is deeply concerned by the impact of the Covid-19 crisis on developing countries. The IMF recently forecast that debt-to-GDPs ratios will rise by 5.1 percentage points in low income developing countries in 2020. In Africa, this figure is 7.3 percentage points. Higher debt will impact on future growth, resilience and poverty reduction prospects, particularly in those countries which entered the crisis at high risk of debt distress.In response to the crisis, the UK, alongside the G20 and the Paris Club of official creditors, has committed to a temporary suspension of debt service repayments from the poorest countries. This official sector effort could provide up to $12bn of additional fiscal space until the end of the year, allowing countries to redirect finances towards mitigating the health and economic impacts of Covid-19. This initiative will help preserve financial stability in the poorest and most vulnerable countries whilst providing time to assess what future support is required.

UNRWA

Preet Kaur Gill: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development, what recent assessment she has made of the effectiveness of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency; and if she will publish that assessment.

James Cleverly: Until a just solution for Palestinian refugees is found, the UK continues to be a firm supporter of UNRWA and is committed to helping ensure the Agency’s sustainability and effectiveness. DFID undertakes an annual review of UNRWA’s programme performance. The most recent publication is available online (https://devtracker.dfid.gov.uk/projects/GB-1-204546/documents).In 2019, the Multilateral Organisation Performance Assessment Network (MOPAN) concluded an independent assessment of UNRWA, describing the Agency as competent and resilient, delivering services despite a challenging, resource-constrained environment. The assessment is public and accessed online.

Standard Chartered Bank: Hong Kong

Preet Kaur Gill: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development, what assessment she has made of the effect of Standard Chartered Plc endorsement of the Government of China’s proposed security law for Hong Kong on the future of CDC's partnership with that company.

James Duddridge: The UK Government speaks regularly with international financial services firms about a range of issues. It is for individual companies to make their own judgements. We have made our own position very clear on China's proposal to impose national security legislation on Hong Kong.CDC has a successful partnership with Standard Chartered focused on delivering development impact at scale in Africa and South Asia. For example, during the Ebola crisis CDC’s partnership with Standard Chartered helped provide vital working capital to businesses struggling to pay wages and meet operating expenses when the economy was seizing up.Now, during the COVID-19 crisis CDC’s trade and supply chain finance partnerships with Standard Chartered are providing much needed liquidity to businesses in sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia. Being a counter-cyclical investor supporting local businesses during the crisis forms a central element of CDC’s COVID-19 response.

CDC: Tax Havens

Preet Kaur Gill: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development, how many and what proportion of CDC's investments in which it owns more that 20 percent are based in tax havens.

James Duddridge: Wherever possible, CDC invests directly into the country in which an investee company is located. If CDC invests through an intermediate country, it does so only if the country is compliant with international tax transparency standards as monitored by the OECD’s Global Forum on Transparency and Exchange of Tax information. CDC publishes the overall tax contribution of its portfolio; the principal countries in which each investee company pays taxes; the place of incorporation; and the legal domicile of each business or collective investment vehicles in which they invest.

Department for Education

Sixth Form Education: Coronavirus

Layla Moran: To ask the Secretary of State for Education, if he will allocate additional funding to 16-19 education providers as part of the covid-19 catch-up plan for students.

Gillian Keegan: My right hon. Friend, the Prime Minister, announced a £1 billion support package for schools to help pupils catch up on lost teaching time. We also announced on 20 July that we will be providing a one-off, ring-fenced grant of up to £96 million for colleges, sixth forms and all 16 to 19 providers, to provide small group tutoring activity for disadvantaged 16 to 19 students whose studies have been disrupted. Many further education providers are already open for some learners, including those who are 16 to 19 and adults, subject to the required safety measures being met. From autumn 2020, all learners, including those who are 16 to 19 and adults will return to a full high-quality education programme delivered by their college or post-16 learning provider. Colleges should plan on the basis that, from September 2020, all learners will return to a full high-quality education programme.

Students: Fees and Charges

Zarah Sultana: To ask the Secretary of State for Education, if he will reimburse the tuition fees paid by (a) nursing, (b) midwifery and (c) healthcare students to recognise their contribution during the covid-19 outbreak.

Michelle Donelan: I refer the hon. Member for Coventry South to the answer I gave on 1 July 2020 to Question 63492.

Childminding: Coronavirus

Tulip Siddiq: To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what steps he is taking to ensure that Ofsted expedites applications to set up childminding businesses during the covid-19 outbreak.

Vicky Ford: The safety of children being cared for by the early years sector is paramount.Prospective childminders must follow Ofsted’s registration process. This includes providing details of criminal record checks (DBS), training in both childcare and first aid, a health declaration form signed off by a GP and contact details for two references. Once the application has been made online, it takes up to twelve weeks to register with Ofsted.Guidance on the process and time taken to register can be found at: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/apply-to-register-as-a-childminder.Ofsted resumed their registration visits on 8 June, as confirmed in their guidance below: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/education-plans-from-september-2020#information-for-early-years-providers.

Schools: Food

Jim Shannon: To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what discussions he has had with (a) Cabinet colleagues and (b) school leaders on ensuring that hot food can be served in schools from September 2020.

Vicky Ford: Both Cabinet colleagues and school leaders are aware of our plan for all pupils, in all year groups, to return to school full-time from the beginning of the autumn term. All school kitchens are expected to be open and deliver healthy and nutritious meals that meet the School Food Standards. Further guidance for schools is available here:https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/actions-for-schools-during-the-coronavirus-outbreak.

Schools: Breakfast Clubs

Jim Shannon: To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what steps he is taking to ensure that schools continue wrap around care with breakfast clubs.

Vicky Ford: As of 4 July, all providers offering wraparound care, holiday clubs and out-of-school activities for children have been able to open for both indoor and outdoor provision with safety measures in place. We have published guidance for providers of these activities on the measures they should put in place to ensure they are operating as safely as possible, which is available here: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/protective-measures-for-holiday-or-after-school-clubs-and-other-out-of-school-settings-for-children-during-the-coronavirus-covid-19-outbreak/protective-measures-for-out-of-school-settings-during-the-coronavirus-covid-19-outbreak.We recognise that breakfast clubs and wraparound care will give pupils opportunities to re-engage with their peers and with school, ensure children have a healthy breakfast and are ready to focus on their lessons, provide enrichment activities, and support working parents.Therefore, as outlined in the guidance for full opening of schools published by the department, schools should consider resuming any breakfast and after-school provision, where possible, from the start of the autumn term. We recognise that schools may need to respond flexibly and build this up over time. The guidance is available here: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/actions-for-schools-during-the-coronavirus-outbreak/guidance-for-full-opening-schools.However, schools should carefully consider how they can make such provision work alongside their wider protective measures, including keeping children within their year groups or bubbles where possible. If it is not possible to maintain bubbles being used during the school day then schools should use small, consistent groups. Schools can consult the guidance produced for summer holiday childcare, as much of this will be useful in planning extra-curricular provision.

Nurseries: Finance

Matt Western: To ask the Secretary of State for Education, if he will enable maintained nursery schools to access the School funding: exceptional costs associated with coronavirus (COVID-19) programme.

Vicky Ford: The government recognises that maintained nursery schools are an important part of the early years sector and provide valuable services, especially in disadvantaged areas.All nurseries, including maintained nursery schools, are benefiting from the continuation of early years entitlement funding during the COVID-19 outbreak. On 20 July, we set out our plans for funding local authorities and providers in the autumn term which is available at: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/use-of-free-early-education-entitlements-funding-during-the-coronavirus-outbreak/use-of-free-early-education-entitlements-funding-during-coronavirus-covid-19.Unlike most state-funded schools, maintained nursery schools typically rely on private income for a significant proportion of their total income. Therefore, they cannot claim for specific costs incurred due to COVID-19, but they can access to the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme, as set out in the published guidance available here: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/coronavirus-covid-19-financial-support-for-education-early-years-and-childrens-social-care/coronavirus-covid-19-financial-support-for-education-early-years-and-childrens-social-care.Maintained nursery schools can also access free school meals vouchers via Edenred.We are continuing to work with the early years sector to assess the support required to cope with the impact of COVID-19.We remain committed to funding for maintained nursery schools in the longer term, with appropriate protections in place to accompany any reforms of that funding. Future funding will be considered as part of the next spending review.

Department for International Trade

Liquefied Natural Gas: Mozambique

Kate Osamor: To ask the Secretary of State for International Trade, with reference to UK Export Finance support for the Mozambique LNG Project, what her Department’s most recent estimate is of the lifecycle carbon emissions from that project; and what methodology was used to make that estimate.

Kate Osamor: To ask the Secretary of State for International Trade, with reference to UK Export Finance support for the Mozambique LNG Project, what assessment she has made of the risks of potential carbon lock-in from that project; when that assessment was made; and what methodology was used to make that assessment.

Kate Osamor: To ask the Secretary of State for International Trade, what steps her Department is taking to ensure the decision to provide £800,000 in UK Export Finance funding to support of the Mozambique LNG Project will comply with (a) the UK’s commitments made under the 2015 Paris Climate Agreement and (b) the COP26 President's recommendation for states to align finance flows with low carbon, resilient development.

Graham Stuart: The Project’s Environmental and Social Impact Assessment presents the direct and indirect (Scope 1 and Scope 2) contribution of the Project to Mozambique’s greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) baseline, which is estimated to account for approximately 6 - 10% of Mozambique’s national GHG emissions. This was estimated in accordance with the GHG Protocol: Corporate Accounting & Reporting Standard developed by the World Business Council for Sustainable Development (WBCSD) and the World Resources Institute (WRI). The Project’s Scope 3 emissions are produced by the use of the Project’s LNG. Calculating LNG Scope 3 emissions is highly complex and requires details of when, where, how and how much of the Project’s gas volumes will be used. UK Export Finance (UKEF) made some reasonable assumptions about Scope 3 emissions, that it then took into account in its review of the Project. There is scope, however, for the Project to replace / displace more polluting hydrocarbon sources, such as oil and coal, which would result in lower net emissions than using these energy sources. UKEF considered climate change as part of its review of the Project including considering the potential lock-in risks from the Project. It is not known for certain whether the Project will displace renewable energy potential or lower carbon solutions. However, for Mozambique, the need for financial resources to support the country’s climate resilience is noteworthy and, as per Mozambique’s own Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC), UKEF considers that the financial outputs of this Project will act as a catalyst towards enabling the country’s climate change plans to be fulfilled, and thus to allow investment in the renewables sector.  The International Energy Agency notes that demand for energy cannot be met for the  foreseeable future (i.e. up to 2040) without oil and gas. Even under a sustainable  development scenario, gas is expected to account for 24% of global primary energy  demand in 2040. The Paris Agreement (Article 4.1) recognises that the peaking of  greenhouse gases will take longer for developing countries, such as Mozambique, and the Project sits within Mozambique’s longer-term plans to establish strong social and  economic stability. The support provided by UKEF takes the form of direct loans or loan guarantees, rather than equity funding.

Trade Agreements: Dispute Resolution

Owen Thompson: To ask the Secretary of State for International Trade, pursuant to the Answer of 17 July 2020 to Question 73000, whether the Government will enact the right it retains to regulate in the public interest, including for public health purposes, as is already recognised under international law, should an investor state dispute settlement claim adversely affect steps the Government has taken to tackle covid-19.

Mr Ranil Jayawardena: The right to regulate is recognised in international law. Further, investment protection and investor-state dispute settlement (ISDS) provisions do not affect HM Government’s ability to regulate in the public interest. ISDS tribunals cannot overrule the sovereignty of Parliament, overturn or force any changes to law. Indeed, they can only award compensation if a foreign investor’s rights under the treaty have been breached – for example, if the investor is found to have been treated in an arbitrary or discriminatory manner – though there has never been a successful ISDS claim against the United Kingdom.

Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government

Businesses: Coronavirus

Scott Benton: To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, if he will announce when businesses that are currently closed under covid-19 restrictions in (a) Blackpool and (b) the UK may open again.

Mr Simon Clarke: To reduce social contact and the spread of infection, the Government previously ordered certain businesses and venues to close to members of the public across England. This list of closures was in line with advice from medical professionals. Though there has been tragic loss of life, thanks to the hard work and sacrifice of the British people, the UK has slowed the spread of Coronavirus.Following earlier easements in May and June, as part of Step Three of the government’s plan to return life to as near normal as we can, further businesses and venues were allowed to open from 4, 11 and 13 July.Certain premises have been required to remain closed beyond 13 July, due to the higher risk of infection in those premises. The Prime Minister gave an oral statement on 17 July to set out the next chapter in the UK’s Government’s COVID-19 recovery strategy. From 25 July, subject to assessment of the evidence at the time regarding the rates of transmission, it is proposed that sports facilities and venues, such as indoor gyms, fitness and dance studios, indoor swimming pools and indoor facilities at water parks will be permitted to open.From 1 August, subject to assessment of the evidence at the time regarding the rates of transmission, it is proposed that most remaining leisure settings, including bowling alleys, indoor skating rinks, and casinos will be permitted to reopen.The venues where people are likely to be very close to each other and are particularly challenging to reopen in a safe way at the present time due to the high transmission risk, will be required to remain closed after 1 August. This includes nightclubs, soft play areas, and sexual entertainment venues. These will be kept under review.The COVID-19 recovery strategy applies to England only. The Devolved Administrations are making their own assessments about the lifting of measures in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.

UK Shared Prosperity Fund

Grahame Morris: To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, when the Government plans to publish the consultation on the Shared Prosperity Fund.

Mr Simon Clarke: The Government has committed to creating the UK Shared Prosperity Fund as the successor to EU structural funds. The fund will bind together the whole of the United Kingdom, tackling inequality and deprivation in each of our four nations. The Government recognises the importance of providing clarity on the UK Shared Prosperity Fund. Government officials have held 25 engagement events across the UK, attended by over 500 representatives from a breadth of sectors, which has helped inform progress on policy design. The Government looks forward to continuing to work closely with partners as we develop the fund.

Ministry of Defence

Nuclear Submarines: Shipping Lanes

Angus Brendan MacNeil: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to the incident involving the Belfast to Cairnryan passenger ferry and a nuclear-powered submarine in November 2018, what (a) lessons have been learned from that incident, (b) steps have been taken to ensure that nuclear-powered submarines do not travel at periscope depths on any ferry lanes on the west coast of Scotland, (c) is now the minimum clearance between ferries and submarines passing, on the surface or submerged, and (d) additional safety measures have been taken, as a result of that incident, for all ferries around the Scottish coast.

James Heappey: Ensuring safety at sea is a top priority for the Royal Navy. The Marine Accident Investigation Branch's (MAIB) report is welcomed and the Royal Navy fully accepts their recommendation. Actions have been taken to prevent re-occurrence and a system of assurance is in place in accordance with the Navy's Safety Management System.  To deliver the MAIB's recommendation, the Fleet Commander has directed an independent review of the actions taken to provide assurance that such actions have been effective. This review will be led by the Defence Maritime Regulator, part of the independent Defence Safety Authority.I can confirm that there is no plan for submarines to cease operating at periscope depth.The safe distance between a submarine operating at periscope depth and surface shipping is determined by the combined speed of the vessels at a given time, and is achieved by manoeuvring the submarine to ensure that surface vessels do not approach within the distance that the submarine would dive to a safe depth to remain safe.

Department for Work and Pensions

Personal Income: Ethnic Groups

Sir Edward Davey: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what steps she is taking to tackle the household income inequality between different ethnic groups in the UK; and if she will make a statement.

Will Quince: Our current focus is on supporting people financially during these unprecedented times. Our long-term ambition remains to build an economy that supports employment, ensuring opportunities for all to enter and progress in work where possible, whilst providing a strong welfare safety net for those that need it. This approach is based on clear evidence about the importance of work in tackling poverty now and in the future. Working age adults in households where all adults are in work are six times less likely to be in absolute poverty (after housing costs) than adults in a household where nobody works. We are also committed to levelling up skills and opportunities across the country. Using latest data from the Race Disparity Audit and DWP’s own analysis, we continue to help those under-represented in the labour market and are also investing £90m towards activities that address disparities in youth unemployment.

Chemicals: Health Hazards

Janet Daby: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what steps the Government has taken to implement recommendation 15 of the Environmental Audit Committee's Twentieth report of Session 2017-19  entitled, Toxic Chemicals in Everyday Life, HC1805.

Justin Tomlinson: When deciding whether to prescribe new diseases under the Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefit Scheme Minsters are guided by the recommendations of the Industrial Injuries Advisory Council (“IIAC”). IIAC are independent of government, Following the recommendation of the Environmental Audit Committee IIAC launched an investigation into the cancers likely to be suffered by fire fighters, building on the extensive commissioned review it carried out in 2010. To inform its investigation, IIAC engaged with the University of Central Lancashire and conducted a detailed search of the published scientific literature in this field in order to scrutinise the available evidence. Having analysed the evidence in depth, IIAC is currently in the process of concluding its deliberations and expects to be able to respond to the Environmental Audit Committee in due course. IIAC plans to publish a position paper setting out its findings. Fire and Rescue Services have duties to prevent and control risks (so far as reasonably practicable) to the health of their employees due to exposure to hazardous substances, and the Health and Safety Executive expects Fire and Rescue Services to ensure that measures are in place to control exposure and minimise contamination, as this may lead to health risks. Such measures would include the provision and maintenance of suitable personal protective equipment, facilities for storing and cleaning such equipment and providing information, training and appropriate supervision to their employees on potential risks.The Health and Safety Executive is monitoring the progress of all current research which seeks to improve the working environment for firefighters, and will ensure that Fire and Rescue Services continue to identify and control risks to their employees. HSE are also aware that United Kingdom Fire and Rescue Services (UKFRS) are also researching health risks and effects from contaminated kit. HSE have provided support at National Level to ensure that this is kept near the top of the priority list.Background info:House of Commons Environmental Audit Committee20th Report: “Toxic Chemicals in Everyday Life” Recommendation 15 (page 47):94. We recognise that firefighters have a greater risk from environmental contamination from fires and support the research being undertaken by the University of Central Lancashire and the Fire Brigades Union. This is still in its early stages. However, research from the US has already shown that firefighters suffer higher instances of cancer in carrying out their duties than the normal population. The Government should update the Social Security Regulations so that the cancers most commonly suffered by firefighters are presumed to be industrial injuries. This should be mirrored in the UK’s Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefits Scheme. We also recommend that the Health and Safety Executive monitors the progress of the Fire Brigades Union research and provides assistance in implementing recommendations which seek to improve the work environments of UK firefighters. This should include measures to minimise contamination from clothing and equipment and reduce the overall exposure of firefighters, their families and the public.

Poverty: Children

Ian Lavery: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what steps she is taking to assess whether there has been an increase in the number of children living in poverty due to the covid-19 outbreak.

Will Quince: We understand that this is a difficult time for people on low incomes and we’ve taken significant action to support those affected by coronavirus, including through income protection schemes, mortgage holidays and additional support for renters. For those most in need we’ve injected more than £9 billion into the welfare system, which includes an increase to Universal Credit of up to £1,040 this financial year. These policies implemented in response to the outbreak have made a huge difference, particularly to those with low incomes. This was shown in HMT’s recently published distributional analysis about the Impact of covid-19 on working household incomes. This publication shows that the lowest income decile of working households has seen no fall in income due to Government measures that have been put in place. This is available here: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/impact-of-covid-19-on-working-household-incomes-distributional-analysis-as-of-may-2020

Unemployed People: Mental Health Services

Liz Twist: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what steps her Department is taking to help ensure that mental health support is available for people who (a) have recently become unemployed and (b) are experiencing long-term unemployment in order to prevent suicide associated with job loss.

Justin Tomlinson: A range of mental health support is available. We have delivered mental health training to all work coaches to support claimants with mental health conditions. The Department has developed an enhanced mental health training programme, which has been delivered to all work coaches and managers. Work Coaches will tailor the support to the needs of the individual and work closely with local organisations that provide additional specialist support. NHS mental health services have remained open for business throughout the covid-19 pandemic, and have used digital tools to connect with people and provide ongoing support. For those with severe needs or in crisis, NHS England has instructed all NHS mental health trusts to establish 24/7 mental health crisis lines and every mental health provider has at least one line. The Government is also working with the NHS and a wide range of stakeholders to assess potential need in all areas over the coming weeks and months and to plan accordingly.

Occupational Health: Coronavirus

Jonathan Reynolds: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, how many workplace visits the Health and Safety Executive has completed in each month since the start of the covid-19 outbreak.

Mims Davies: Holding answer received on 22 July 2020



The number of proactive inspections carried out in each of the months since 1st March 2020 is given below: March 2020April 2020May 2020June 20201-19TH July 202042292127211143  The above data was extracted from the Health and Safety Executive’s (HSE) operational database on 19th July 2020 and is subject to change e.g. the administrative process of recording the information in the database can take up to 10 days. In March, HSE temporarily suspended proactive visits to sites to allow social distancing measures to be put in place to protect visiting staff. The above data does not include investigation visits whether relating to the investigation of a reported workplace incident e.g. an accident, or a workplace concern.

Employment: Disability

Dr Lisa Cameron: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what steps she is taking to remove barriers to disabled people returning to work after the covid-19 outbreak.

Justin Tomlinson: Recognising the challenges Covid-19 may present, DWP has introduced a number of measures to support disabled people whether they are working from home, or returning to work at their workplaces. The Access to Work offers disabled people practical in-work support above the level of statutory reasonable adjustments, including a discretionary grant of up to £60,700 per year. The scheme’s new Blended Offer complements support provided by employers and contains a flexible mix of support, including support to work from more than one location, a package of home working support which can be blended with workplace support, mental health support for people returning to work after a period of furlough or shielding, travel-to-work support where the individual’s disability means social distancing on public transport is too risky and the prioritisation of applications from disabled people in the Clinically Extremely Vulnerable Group. During the pandemic Access to Work introduced a number of measures to enable disabled people to move into or retain employment, the measures included:Transporting assistive technology from the workplace to the home environment to support home working and, where this is not possible, AtW will work with the disabled person and their employer to consider new adjustments to support adaptations to standard equipment.Extending timeframes for receiving claims for paymentsAccepting email claim forms and employer/support signatures via email so customers can shield.Delivering assessments through virtual means to further protect customers.Accepting email claim forms from customers who request this as a reasonable adjustment;Extending Support Worker awards that are coming to an end by 6 months;Prioritising new applications from key workers and those with jobs starting within the next 4 weeks.Disabled people who have lost their job and require more intensive employment support still have access to both the Work and Health Programme and Intensive Personalised Employment Support. Providers are making use of digital channels to provide one to one support, including regular health and wellbeing conversations with our most vulnerable claimants. In addition, Disability Confident provides employers with the knowledge, skills and confidence they need to attract, recruit, retain and develop disabled people in the workplace

Disability

Dr Lisa Cameron: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, when the Government plans to publish its National Strategy for Disabled People.

Justin Tomlinson: Due to Covid 19 impacts, a slower timetable for publication of the National Strategy for Disabled People is inevitable. This is to ensure that we are able to meaningfully engage with stakeholders and strengthen our evidence base to deliver the ambitious strategy that the Prime Minister has called for. We are aiming to publish in Spring 2021.

Home Office

Animal Experiments

Alex Sobel: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what steps he is taking to (a) reduce the number of animals used for scientific procedures in higher education and training and (b) encourage organisations in that sector to seek replacements for the use of animals in those procedures.

Victoria Atkins: The Home Office assures the minimum number of animals necessary are used for scientific procedures in higher education and training by the rigorous application of the 3Rs principles – replacement, reduction and refinement. Procedures on animals are only authorised after a rigorous assessment process, which is undertaken by the Home Office Inspectorate.As part of the project licence application process, applicants are required to describe what steps they have taken to research non-animal alternative methodologies and why the use of animals is required to achieve their scientific objectives.

Animal Experiments: Dogs

Alex Sobel: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, with reference to the report entitled, Statistics of Scientific Procedures on Living Animals Great Britain 2018, published in July 2019, what the legislative requirements were that satisfied in relation to the 252 procedures conducted on dogs to satisfy other legislation; and what tests were conducted in for those requirements.

Victoria Atkins: With reference to the report entitled Statistics of Scientific Procedures on Living Animals Great Britain 2018, published in July 2019 the 252 procedures conducted on dogs to satisfy other legislation were for the routine production of blood-based products. The products under these licences were supplied to other researchers for use in basic and translational research work such as drug development.

Animal Experiments

Alex Sobel: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, with reference to the report entitled, Statistics of Scientific Procedures on Living Animals Great Britain 2018, published in July 2019, what type of tests made up the 24,284 regulatory tests conducted to satisfy the requirements of non-EU legislation; and what steps the Government is taking to (a) reduce and (b) replace the use of animals for those test.

Victoria Atkins: With reference to the report entitled Statistics of Scientific Procedures on Living Animals Great Britain 2018, published in July 2019, the 24,284 regulatory tests conducted to satisfy the requirements of non-EU legislation were made up of batch safety and pyrogenicity tests, toxicity and other safety tests, and tests undertaken for quality control and efficacy/tolerance.The Home Office only authorises procedures on animals after a rigorous assessment process, which is undertaken by the Home Office Inspectorate. The Home Office may review project licences, and require them to be amended, if suitable replacement, reduction or refinement alternatives become available during their lifetime.

Slavery and Trafficking Reparation Orders

Alex Norris: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, how many Slavery and Trafficking Reparation Orders under the Modern Slavery Act 2015 have been made in each year since the passing of that Act; how many victims of those offences have received compensation as a result of those reparation orders; and what (a) total and (b) average amount of compensation was awarded.

Victoria Atkins: Data centrally held by the Her Majesty’s Courts and Tribunal Service records reparation orders issued as part of a community sentence and does not separately identify slavery and trafficking reparation orders issued under the Modern Slavery Act 2015. The latest available data on community sentences up to 2019 can be found at:https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/888664/outcomes-by-offence-tool-2019.xlsx The Independent Review of the Modern Slavery Act, which took place during 2018/19 examined the effectiveness of this provision and the compensation awarded to victims. The Reviewers recommended that this compensation should be at the forefront of the Court’s mind.

Counter-terrorism

Bell Ribeiro-Addy: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, pursuant to the Answer of 29 January 2020 to Question 6769, what steps she is taking to appoint a new Independent Reviewer of Prevent.

Bell Ribeiro-Addy: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, pursuant to the Answer of 29 January 2020 to Question 6769, what progress her Department has made on ensuring that the role of the independent Reviewer of Prevent is publicly advertised; and (a) where and (b) when that advertisement will be published.

James Brokenshire: A full and open competition to appoint the next Independent Reviewer of Prevent was launched on 27 April 2020 and applications for this post closed on 22 June 2020. The successful candidate will be announced in due course.The role was publicised on the Home Office website and advertised online on the Centre for Public Appointments, Home Office LinkedIn, Vercida and Women on Boards.

Action Fraud

Charlotte Nichols: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, if she will undertake a review on the effectiveness of Action Fraud.

James Brokenshire: It is vital that victims of fraud have the confidence to come forward and know that their case will be dealt with.The City of London Corporation (as the Police Authority for the City of London Police) commissioned an independent review by Sir Craig Mackey QPM into the standards, culture and management of Action Fraud. The findings and recommendations of that review were published on 24th January on the City of London Police Authority’s website, currently available at https://www.cityoflondon.gov.uk/assets/About-us/action-fraud-report.pdf.The City of London Police are addressing Sir Craig’s recommendations regarding Action Fraud and the NFIB, working with the City of London Corporation, the National Crime Agency and the Home Office.

Cabinet Office

Suicide

Paul Bristow: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, how many people have died by suicide in each month since January 2019.

Chloe Smith: The information requested falls under the remit of the UK Statistics Authority. I have therefore asked the Authority to respond.



UKSA response
(PDF Document, 125.87 KB)

Coronavirus: Scotland

Mhairi Black: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, what comparative assessment he has made of trends in the level of per capita deaths as a result of covid-19 in Scotland and England.

Chloe Smith: The information requested falls under the remit of the UK Statistics Authority. I have therefore asked the Authority to respond.



UKSA response
(PDF Document, 92.36 KB)

Veterans: Suicide

Stephen Morgan: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, what recent discussions he has had with the Chief Coroner on the recording of veteran suicide.

Johnny Mercer: Ministers have regular conversations with interdepartmental colleagues on a range of topics, including the Government’s ongoing commitment to make it as easy as possible to access the clinical and welfare support available to veterans and their families. The Chief Coroner has given coroners clearer guidance so that deaths, including suicide, are recorded more consistently.The Government continues to invest in mental health support and training whilst individuals are serving in the Armed Forces, as well as significant research to understand and tackle the risks and causes of suicide amongst those who have served. This includes a study commissioned by the MOD to investigate causes of death, including suicide, amongst all those who served in the UK Armed Forces between 2001 and 2014, covering combat operations in Iraq and Afghanistan. In 2019, we extended this study to include all those who served after 2014, now and into the future. This will be complemented by a new Manchester University study, funded jointly by the MOD and NHS (England), looking at risk factors in the year leading up to a veteran taking their own life. Combined, these studies will provide increasingly robust data, in order to better understand ‘at risk’ groups and support better targeted interventions.

Treasury

Import Duties: Northern Ireland

Louise Haigh: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what estimate HMRC has made of the potential total cost to UK businesses of EU tariffs being applied on goods entering Northern Ireland from Great Britain by default.

Jesse Norman: As stated in “The UK’s Approach to the Northern Ireland Protocol” paper published in May, Great Britain and Northern Ireland form one customs territory. The Government will ensure that no tariffs will be paid on any goods that move and remain within the UK’s customs territory. To ensure that trade flows freely, the Government will make full use of the provisions in the Protocol giving it powers to waive and/or reimburse tariffs on goods moving from Great Britain to Northern Ireland, even where they are classified as ‘at risk’ of entering the EU market. Only those goods ultimately entering Ireland or the rest of the EU, or at clear and substantial risk of doing so, will face tariffs. This principle needs to be formalised with the EU within the Withdrawal Agreement Joint Committee.

Business: Coronavirus

Caroline Nokes: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what assessment he has made of the potential merits of providing additional financial support to businesses still not allowed to trade as a result of covid-19 restrictions.

Kemi Badenoch: The Government has announced unprecedented support for business and workers to protect them against the current economic emergency. Businesses that remain unable to trade as a result of Covid-19 restrictions continue to have access to a range of support measures that the Government has already made available. This includes, but is not limited to, the four government-backed loan schemes for firms of all sizes, and the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme (CJRS). The CJRS will continue to provide support to the end of October. The Business Support website provides further information about how businesses can access the support that has been made available, who is eligible and how to apply - https://www.gov.uk/business-coronavirus-support-finder. The Government is following its COVID-19 recovery strategy, which was published on 11 May. The strategy sets out our plan for moving to the next phase of our response, alongside a cautious roadmap for easing existing measures in a safe and measured way. This roadmap and our financial support schemes are kept constantly under review. The Government will continue to work closely with businesses that are yet to reopen on plans for a safe, phased reopening, subject to public health guidance, and consider how to best continue supporting these businesses.

Stamp Duty Land Tax

Anthony Browne: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, on how many occasions the exemption in relation to the multiple dwellings relief for property transactions of six or more separate dwellings FA03/S116(7) was used in 2019-20; and what estimate he has made of the revenue foregone to the public purse as a result of that relief.

Kemi Badenoch: This information on the number of relief claims will be published in the Annual Stamp Taxes publication at the end of September and the revenue forgone figure will be published in the Tax Relief publication in Autumn 2020.

Medicine: Research

Charlotte Nichols: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, if he will commit to providing an additional £310 million in funding to medical research charities during the 2020-21 financial year.

Kemi Badenoch: Medical research charities are an integral part of the United Kingdom’s world-leading life sciences sector. The Department of Health and Social Care is closely liaising with the Association of Medical Research Charities, as well as individual charities, to understand the impact of the pandemic on this sector and identify how best the Government and charities can work together to ensure that patients continue benefiting from charity funded research. We will consider any proposals put forward by government departments for further action in this area.

Audiobooks: VAT

Virginia Crosbie: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, if he will make an assessment of the potential merits of adding audiobooks to the list of zero-rated electronic publications.

Jesse Norman: The extension of the zero rate of VAT has been introduced to provide consistency in approach between certain physical and digital publications to support reading and literacy in all its forms. Audiobooks are already taxed consistently at the standard rate in both physical and digital format. In UK law, a book is deemed to be something that is read or looked at; this definition does not include audio content in either digital or physical form. There are no current plans to extend the VAT zero rate to audiobooks. However, the Government keeps all taxes under review, including VAT.

Ice Cream: VAT

Scott Benton: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, for what reason ice cream parlours were not included in the list of businesses that are able to reduce the VAT levied on their products to 5 per cent.

Scott Benton: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, if he will reconsider the decision not to include ice cream parlours and their products within the scope of the VAT reduction to 5 per cent for businesses in the leisure and hospitality industry.

Jesse Norman: In light of the COVID-19 outbreak, the Chancellor has introduced a range of measures to help individuals and businesses through the crisis, including grants, loans and relief from business rates at a cost of more than £300 billion. The temporary reduced rate of VAT will support the tourism and hospitality sectors and will help over 150,000 businesses and protect over 2.4 million jobs. Ice cream served for consumption on the premises in ice cream parlours or other food establishments will benefit from the reduced rate.

Job Retention Bonus

Ruth Cadbury: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, whether firms who (a) have and (b) are in the process of carrying out compulsory redundancies will receive payments under the job retention bonus.

Ruth Cadbury: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, whether employers who have carried out compulsory redundancies and then re-hired former workers will receive payments under the job retention bonus.

Jesse Norman: To ensure that the firms are encouraged to keep employees as demand returns, the Chancellor announced the Job Retention Bonus in the Plan for Jobs on 8 July. To be eligible, the employees for which the employer will receive the grant will need to: Earn above the Lower Earnings Limit (£520 per month) on average in November, December and January and be paid in each month; and Have been furloughed at any point and successfully claimed for under the CJRS; have been continuously employed until 31 January 2021 and still be employed by the same employer as of 31 January 2021 Further detail on the Job Retention Bonus will be available at the end of the month and full guidance will be available in the Autumn.

Inland Waterways: Coronavirus

Cat Smith: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, if he will provide a detailed reply to the letter of 7 May 2020 from the General Secretary of the National Union of Rail, Maritime and Transport Workers on proposals for supporting (a) employment and (b) services in the inland waterways sector after the covid-19 outbreak.

Kemi Badenoch: I understand that the Government has responded to the letter from the General Secretary of the National Union of Rail, Maritime and Transport Workers. The Government has announced unprecedented support for public services, business and workers to protect against the current economic emergency. Our economic response is one of the most generous and comprehensive globally. The government is monitoring the impact measures are having with regard to supporting public services, businesses, and individuals, and keeps all policies under review.

Beer: Excise Duties

Wera Hobhouse: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what assessment he has made of the potential merits of a reduction in beer duty for the independent brewery sector for the rest of the 2020-21 financial year, in response to the covid-19 outbreak.

Kemi Badenoch: The Treasury froze beer duty at the recent Budget. This means that the beer duty rate is the same in 2020-21 as in 2019-20. Thanks to decisions by this Government, the beer duty rate has been unchanged since 2017. The Treasury keeps all taxes, including beer duty, under review.

Economic Situation

Darren Jones: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, if he will publish guidance on the support available under his economic recovery plan for (a) mothers, (b) lone parents, (c) survivors of domestic abuse and (d) refugees.

Jesse Norman: The Government has listened to charities and the Domestic Abuse Commissioner about the pressures the sector faces and is providing extra funding for charities which support victims and their children. The Home Office launched an awareness campaign in April called #YouAreNotAlone, in order to raise the profile of domestic abuse victims during COVID-19 and signpost victims to the support services available. £76 million of support announced in May is helping the most vulnerable in society, including domestic abuse victims, through:£10 million from MHCLG for charities providing safe accommodation, such as refuges.£2 million from the Home Office for national and other non-local charities providing support to victims of domestic abuse in the community. The fund was opened for bids for the first time on 22 May 2020, closing on 8 June, and £793,000 has now been allocated to 13 successful applicants. On 8 July, the remaining £1,207,000 of the fund was opened for further bids.£25 million from the Ministry of Justice to help victims of domestic abuse and sexual violence in the community access support services during the coronavirus outbreak, and a further £3 million per annum investment in Independent Sexual Violence Advisors until 2022. The Government is allowing households where there is only one adult – including people who live alone or single parents with children under 18 – to form a “support bubble” with another household. The Plan for Jobs package also provides support to those who have lost their jobs and DWP will ensure that support from Jobcentres and partners addresses the needs of those who are underrepresented in the labour market, such as BAME groups and lone parents. Through the furlough scheme, the Government has supported those who have been unable to work for childcare reasons. The Government is continuing to fund free early years entitlements, and the minimum income for Tax-Free Childcare has also been temporarily suspended for those who would have met the requirement were it not for the pandemic.

Plastics: Taxation

Mr Steve Baker: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what progress he has made in reviewing the benefits of the use of renewable plant-based plastics; and whether he plans to complete that review in time to inform the treatment of those plastics under the proposed plastic packaging tax.

Mr Steve Baker: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, if he will ensure the decision on the treatment of the full life cycle of renewable, plant based plastics under the proposed plastic packaging tax will support the Government’s wider carbon reduction and climate change goals; and if he will make a statement.

Kemi Badenoch: The departments for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, and for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs are in the process of analysing responses to their call for evidence on setting standards for biodegradable, compostable and bio-based plastics as part of the Bioeconomy Strategy. This will also reinforce the Government’s understanding of their environmental impact of their wider adoption. As set out in the current consultation on the Plastic Packaging Tax, the Government decided not to pre-judge the outcome of this work by having any special treatment for these types of plastics, which could encourage wider adoption of them. This is also in line with the majority view to the first consultation on the tax conducted in 2019. The Government will keep their treatment within the tax under review throughout the process of introduction in April 2022 and following this to ensure the tax continues to deliver on the Government’s environmental objectives.

Taxation

Dr Matthew Offord: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what estimate he has made of the amount of tax raised by Stamp Duty by (a) new builds and (b) established properties in each of the last five years.

Jesse Norman: Information is not held in relation to whether Stamp Duty Land Tax (SDLT) receipts are for purchases of new builds or established properties, as this detail is not required on the SDLT return submitted to HMRC. However, HMRC do publish the total amount of SDLT raised in the quarterly Stamp Duty Land Tax publication, which can be found here: https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/quarterly-stamp-duty-statistics.

Smuggling

John McNally: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what steps are being taken to protect the (a) relationship and (b) data sharing between the UK and European partners on tackling illicit trade.

John McNally: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what assessment his Department has made of the merits of collaborating with private prosecutors in tackling illicit trade in the UK.

Jesse Norman: The UK is committed to continued cooperation with European partners on tackling illicit trade. As part of negotiations with the EU, the UK has proposed provisions for customs cooperation and mutual administrative assistance. This would enable the parties to work together while upholding their respective customs regimes, to protect revenue and combat criminality through efficient and reciprocal exchange of information and mutual assistance across customs matters. The Government is clear that everyone must pay tax that is legally due, no matter who they are. The Government has a strong record in tackling tax avoidance, evasion and non-compliance. With regard to collaboration with private prosecutors, the information that HMRC can lawfully share with third parties is restricted by the Commissioners for Revenue and Customs Act 2005 (CRCA). However, HMRC have existing structures in place to allow for the receipt, management and exploitation of information and intelligence from individuals and private sector sources.

Research and Development Tax Credit

Bim Afolami: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, when he will launch the consultation on expanding the R&D tax credit to include data and cloud computing costs.

Jesse Norman: Delivering on the manifesto commitment and Spring Budget announcement, the Government published a consultation on the scope of R&D tax credit qualifying expenditures on 21 July. This consultation is open until 13 October. The Government welcomes responses from R&D tax credit claimants and other stakeholders as it considers the case for including data and cloud computing costs as qualifying expenditures for R&D tax relief.

Digital Technology: Taxation

Chi Onwurah: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what estimate he has made of the revenue raised from the Digital Services Tax; and whether that estimate has been revised since that tax was announced in October 2018.

Jesse Norman: The estimates for revenue raised from the Digital Services Tax were revised at Budget 2020. The revised estimates were set out in the Budget 2020 documents: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/budget-2020-documents First, there was an update to reflect technical changes made to the measure shown in Table 2.1. Secondly, there was an update to reflect changes to the underlying data which is shown in Table 2.2. The revised estimates are shown below: Yield (£m)2020-212021-222022-232023-242024-25Table 2.1-£5£0£0£0+£70Table 2.2+£285+£390+£425+£460+£440Total+£280+£390+£425+£460+£510

National Infrastructure Commission

Chi Onwurah: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, when the Government will respond to the National Infrastructure Commission Report.

Jesse Norman: Infrastructure is central to the Government’s economic strategy, and the Government will publish a National Infrastructure Strategy setting out further details on its long-term ambitions in the autumn. The National Infrastructure Strategy will also provide the Government’s formal response to the National Infrastructure Commission’s National Infrastructure Assessment.

Food: Wholesale Trade

Daniel Kawczynski: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, whether he has plans to extend business rates relief to food and drink wholesalers who supply to (a) schools, (b) hospitals, (c) care homes and the hospitality industry to mitigate against (i) businesses in that sector closing and (ii)  jobs being lost as a result of the covid-19 outbreak.

Jesse Norman: The Government has provided enhanced support through business rates relief to businesses occupying properties used for retail, hospitality and leisure given the direct and acute impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on those sectors. A range of other measures to support all businesses, including those not eligible for the business rates holiday, such as wholesalers, has also been made available. On 8 July the Chancellor set out a package of measures to support jobs across the UK, including a Job Retention Bonus to help firms keep furloughed workers, and a new £2 billion Kickstart Scheme to create hundreds of thousands of new, fully subsidised jobs for young people. The Chancellor has also announced a cut in VAT to 5% for accommodation, attractions and the hospitality sector.

Whisky: USA

Alan Brown: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what assessment his Department has made of the effect on revenue accruing to the public purse as a result of the reduction in sales of scotch whisky to the US following the imposition of tariffs; and if he will make a statement.

Jesse Norman: The Government regards the tariffs on Scotch whisky as unhelpful and unnecessary. These tariffs are unfairly damaging a great UK export. The Government takes this issue very seriously and continues to raise this issue with the highest levels of the US administration in order to seek a negotiated settlement. Regarding revenue, exports of Scotch whisky are not subject to UK spirits duty. Accordingly, there is no impact on UK spirits duty accruing to the Exchequer.

Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme: Events Industry

Jeremy Wright: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, if he will extend the (a) phase-out start date from August to October 2020 and (b) scheme end date from October to December 2020 of the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme for the conferencing and exhibitions sector in acknowledgement of the semi-easing of covid-19 lockdown restrictions being permitted for that sector from October 2020.

Jesse Norman: After eight months of the CJRS, the scheme will close in October. The CJRS is a temporary scheme and the Government must ensure that people can get back to work when it is safe to do so and get the UK economy up and running again. It would be very challenging to target the CJRS to specific sectors in a fair and deliverable way, and it is not clear that this is the most effective or sensible way to provide longer term support for those sectors most affected by coronavirus. It would also be difficult to target the CJRS at specific sectors without creating distortion, particularly as some firms work across multiple sectors. Other business support measures can provide support to specific firms.

Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport

Radio Frequencies: Licensing

Chi Onwurah: To ask the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, what recent discussions has he had with Ofcom on the effect of its proposal to require all licensees under the Wireless Telegraphy Act 2006 to (a) comply with the relevant levels from the International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection Guidelines and (b) keep records (including the results of any measurements, tests and calculations) that demonstrate how they have complied with those guidelines.

Chi Onwurah: To ask the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, pursuant to the Answer of 9 July 2020 to Question 69559, what discussions he has had with the devolved Administrations on UK-wide licence conditions on EMF emissions.

Chi Onwurah: To ask the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, pursuant to the Answer of 9 July 2020 to Question 69559, what discussions he has had with the devolved nations on UK-wide licence conditions.

Matt Warman: The application and administration of licence conditions are a matter for Ofcom. Ofcom engages with a wide range of stakeholders, including the UK and devolved administrations, on a regular basis.Ofcom’s public consultation on ‘Proposed measures to require compliance with international guidelines for limiting exposure to electromagnetic fields’ closed on 12 June. https://www.ofcom.org.uk/consultations-and-statements/category-1/limiting-exposure-to-emf

Broadband: Hassall

Fiona Bruce: To ask the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, what steps his Department is taking to help ensure that OpenReach connect properties and businesses in the Hassall Parish Council area that are yet to have fibre connections installed.

Matt Warman: The Connecting Cheshire programme, which covers Cheshire East, Cheshire West and Chester, Halton and Warrington Borough Councils, have launched a new procurementexercise at the end of June, under the BDUK Superfast Programme banner. The available funding through this procurement is £4.5m targeting the remaining premises within the area that are currently without a superfast broadband connection. Until the procurement activity is concluded in the Autumn it isn't possible to confirm which supplier could be awarded a contract or which premises will benefit from this activity.Hassall Parish Council and other rural areas can benefit from the Rural Gigabit Connectivity Programme. The Government wants to ensure nationwide coverage of gigabit capable broadband as soon as possible. Many addresses in the Hassall Parish Council may be eligible for the Rural Gigabit Voucher Scheme, which is delivered by many suppliers in the area, including Openreach.The Government has also announced that it will invest a further £5 billion to provide gigabit-capable networks in the hardest to parts of the UK. This funding will focus on connecting more rural and remote areas but, alongside this, the Government is also taking action to reduce the barriers to deployment, and make it cheaper and easier for operators, including BT Openreach, to roll out broadband commercially.Finally, some addresses may be eligible to request an improved connection under the Universal Service Obligation. BT is the designated Universal Service Provider for all areasthe UK, apart from Hull. The USO provides every UK household with the legal right to request a broadband connection that provides download speeds of at least 10Mbps and an upload speed of at least 1Mbps, where this is not already available or is not due to be made available within a year through a publicly funded intervention.

Telecommunications

Chi Onwurah: To ask the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, with reference to his oral statement of 14 July 2020 on UK Telecommunications, if he will publish the evidential basis for the estimates of (a) £1 billion cost for the delay announced in January 2020 and (b) the £2 billion cost of the 2 to 3 years delay announced in the statement; and what consequences that estimate covers.

Matt Warman: The Government has conducted its own modelling but this involves commercially sensitive information, and therefore cannot be published.The Government’s advice has been clear that operators need to plan to remove all Huawei 5G equipment by 2027. It will be for individual operators to determine how to achieve that, and therefore the exact nature of any costs and delays will be specific to each operator.

Events Industry: Coronavirus

Preet Kaur Gill: To ask the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, with reference to the Prime Minister's press conference of 3 July 2020, what the timeline is for the reopening of the events and exhibitions sector as covid-19 lockdown restrictions are eased.

Alec Shelbrooke: To ask the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, if he can provide a timeframe for the events and exhibitions sector on when gatherings of more than 30 people will be allowed.

Nigel Huddleston: Meetings of up to 30 people indoors are now allowed in permitted venues if social distancing can be maintained and the venue can demonstrate that it has followed theCovid-19 guidance.From 1 August, exhibition and conference centres are allowed to show small groups (of up to 30 people with social distancing requirements) around to view the facilities and planfuture events and to enable government-backed pilots to take place. They should not beopen fully to host events more widely.From 1 October, it is expected that events of all types (such as trade shows, consumer shows, exhibitions and conferences) will be allowed at a capacity allowing for compliancewith social distancing. As with all aspects of the Government’s response to COVID-19, our decisions have been and will continue to be based on scientific evidence and public healthassessments.We have worked closely with events stakeholders through both the Visitor Economy and Events & Entertainment Working Groups to develop Covid-19 Secure reopening guidancefor the business events industry. We continue to meet with the Events Industry SeniorLeaders Advisory Panel to discuss the specific issues facing the industry. Since 11 July, a range of outdoor events have been able to take place - includingagricultural shows, literary fairs and car boot sales.

Events Industry: Coronavirus

Sir Charles Walker: To ask the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, what steps his Department is taking to reopen the conference, events and exhibitions industry as the covid-19 lockdown restrictions are eased; and what assessment his Department has made of the effect on the safe reopening of that industry of the ability of conferences, exhibitions and events to use effective tracking and tracing as a result of the high proportion of pre-registered attendees at those events; and if he will make a statement.

Nigel Huddleston: The events industry and its suppliers have been severely affected by the current situation. I fully understand their desire for a reopening date.Meetings of up to 30 people indoors are now allowed in permitted venues if social distancing can be maintained and the venue can demonstrate that it has followed the Covid-19 guidance.From 1 August, exhibition and conference centres are allowed to show small groups (of up to 30 people with social distancing requirements) around to view the facilities and plan future events and to enable government-backed pilots to take place. They should not be open fully to host events more widely.From 1 October, it is expected that events of all types (such as trade shows, consumer shows, exhibitions and conferences) will be allowed at a capacity allowing for compliance with social distancing. As with all aspects of the Government’s response to COVID-19, our decisions have been and will continue to be based on scientific evidence and public health assessments.We have worked closely with events stakeholders through both the Visitor Economy and Events & Entertainment Working Groups to develop Covid-19 Secure reopening guidance for the business events industry. We continue to meet with the Events Industry Senior Leaders Advisory Panel to discuss the specific issues facing the industry.Since 11 July, a range of outdoor events have been able to take place - including agricultural shows, literary fairs and car boot sales.

Walking: Coronavirus

Dr James Davies: To ask the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, what his policy is on enabling organised walking groups to resume their activities as the covid-19 lockdown restrictions are eased.

Nigel Huddleston: Sports and physical activity facilities play a crucial role in supporting adults and children to be active.The Government has made it clear that it will adopt a phased approach based on scientific and medical advice, and that the primary goal is to protect public health.The government's guidance remains that people should gather in groups of no larger than six people from different households, or two households, adhering to social distancing including when as part of organised walking groups.

Telecommunications

Chi Onwurah: To ask the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, with reference to the oral statement by the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs of 28 January 2020 on UK Telecommunications, Official Report, column 709, whether his Department made an assessment of the (a) likelihood of the US imposing sanctions on Huawei and (b) potential effect of such sanctions prior to making decisions on how high-risk vendors would be restricted.

Matt Warman: In January, Government issued advice to place stringent restrictions on high risk vendors in the UK 5G and full fibre networks was issued following a robust, evidence-based decision-making process, involving security analysis by the UK’s world leading technical experts in the National Cyber Security Centre, taking into consideration all threats and risks, including sanctions.There were a number of sanctions already placed upon Huawei, imposed by the US Department of Commerce, at the time the January advice was issued. The UK Government and National Cyber Security Centre were aware of these sanctions, they were considered when advice was issued.

Mobile Phones

Chi Onwurah: To ask the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, if he will make an assessment of the potential merits of establishing a mobile communications catapult centre to promote UK companies' participation in mobile communications supply chains.

Matt Warman: Government would welcome further involvement of UK companies within the telecoms supply chain. As part of our upcoming diversification strategy, we are seeking to furtherpromote this involvement by lowering barriers to entry and supporting new entrants.We are already working with catapult centres to realise our commitment to ensure the UK is a world leader in 5G. Through the 5G Testbed and Trials programme, we have partnered with Digital Catapult to provide a platform for the UK’s industrial sectors to accelerate innovation and digitisation and we are partnering with industry to build 5G Applications Accelerators in Birmingham, Wolverhampton and Coventry for organisations to develop and trial innovative services using 5G.

Broadband: Peterborough

Paul Bristow: To ask the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, what assessment he has made of the (a) progress of the roll-out of full fibre digital infrastructure in the Peterborough constituency in the last 12 months and (b) progress towards nationwide full fibre coverage by 2025 and (c) the need to update the Future Telecoms Infrastructure Review.

Matt Warman: According to ThinkBroadband, full-fibre coverage in the Peterborough constituency stands at 47%, compared to 29% in July 2019.The Government remains committed to delivering nationwide gigabit connectivity as soon as possible. We support industry’s plans to deliver gigabit broadband to the most commercial parts of the UK (c.80% of the country) and will continue to take action to remove barriers to deployment to help them deliver this by 2025.It is more challenging to deliver gigabit connectivity to the hardest to reach 20% of the country by 2025. This is why we have committed a record £5 billion of capital funding tosupport deployment in these areas.

Disclosure of Information: USA

Chi Onwurah: To ask the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, what legal mechanisms allow the transfer of UK citizens' data to the US.

Mr John Whittingdale: UK data protection legislation sets out the rules for transferring personal data from the UK to a third country, including the US. For general processing, and unless a derogation can be relied upon, transfers are typically made either on the basis of an adequacy decision of the European Commission in respect of the third country or by using one of the so-called “alternative transfer mechanisms”, such as “Standard Contractual Clauses” or “Binding Corporate Rules”.On Thursday 16 July the Court of Justice of the European Union handed down its judgment in the case known as “Schrems II”. The Court invalidated the EU’s “Privacy Shield” adequacy decision and it is therefore no longer a valid basis for the transfer of personal data from the UK to the US. The Court also concluded that “Standard Contractual Clauses” remained a valid legal mechanism for international transfers, where such clauses can, in light of the wider circumstances, secure the level of protection required under the GDPR.The UK Government is working with the Information Commissioner’s Office and international counterparts on the implications of the judgment and to update guidance on international data transfers as soon as possible.During the transition period the CJEU’s decisions are binding on the UK. From the end of the transition period, the UK will be responsible for the means by which personal data may be lawfully transferred to countries outside of the UK, including adequacy decisions and alternative transfer mechanisms.

Television Licences: Older People

Ruth Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, if he will protect free tv licenses for over 75's in (a) Newport West, (b) Wales, and (c) the UK.

Mr John Whittingdale: The government is deeply disappointed that the BBC has chosen not to extend the over 75 licence fee concession. We recognise the value of free TV licences for over-75s and believe they should be funded by the BBC. However, the Digital Economy Act, 2017, provides the BBC is responsible for the concession, not the Government. The BBC must look urgently at how it can use its substantial licence fee income to support older people and deliver for UK audiences of all ages.

Football: Coronavirus

Rachel Hopkins: To ask the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, what financial support will be made available to the (a) English football leagues, (b) governing bodies of English football and (c) Professional Footballers’ Association to manage the long-term financial effect of the covid-19 outbreak.

Rachel Hopkins: To ask the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, what assessment he has made of the financial sustainability of English Football League clubs in (a) the Championship, (b) League 1 and (c) League 2.

Nigel Huddleston: Football clubs are the heart of local communities and many have a great history.The Government has provided unprecedented support to businesses throughout this period, including a comprehensive and sizable package of direct fiscal support forbusiness through tax reliefs, cash grants and employee wage support. Many football clubs have benefited from these measures.The Government is in regular dialogue with the football authorities, including the English Football League, to understand their financial position - but has been absolutely clear that it expects football to look first at how it can support itself through these difficult times.I therefore welcomed the Premier League announcement to advance funds of £125 million to the EFL and National League to help clubs throughout the football pyramid.The EFL has also announced a £50m relief fund to help their clubs enduring immediate cash flow problems because of the coronavirus crisis.

Broadband: Small Businesses

Chi Onwurah: To ask the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, pursuant to Answer of 16 July 2020 to Question 72900, whether any underspend on SME broadband voucher allocation will still be used to stimulate broadband use by SMEs.

Matt Warman: The Rural Gigabit Voucher Scheme is being funded from a HM Treasury capex allocation via the National Infrastructure Productivity Fund (NPIF). Demand stimulation activities are an opex cost so as such, Building Digital UK (BDUK) is unable to “flip” the funding in this particular instance.However, BDUK has separately applied for and been allocated demand stimulation funding for the voucher scheme for both SMEs and residential premises. The launch of this campaign is currently underway.

Remote Working: Video Conferencing

Chi Onwurah: To ask the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, what estimates his Department has made of the number of homeworkers unable to use videoconferencing due to insufficient bandwidth on their broadband connection.

Matt Warman: The Department does not track this data as it is tracked by our arms-length-body/regulator Ofcom.They published the following report which concludes that whilst there has been a significant surge in daytime network traffic networks have, on the whole, stood up to this demand.https://www.ofcom.org.uk/about-ofcom/latest/media/media-releases/2020/broadband-networks-during-pandemicThis is likely to be because networks are dimensioned to cope with the normal (pre-COVID) evening peak which, due to the combination of entertainment based video streaming, video on demand and gaming traffic, is similar to the daytime traffic peak levels seen during the pandemic.

Digital Technology

Chi Onwurah: To ask the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, if he will publish further (a) details and (b) scope of the forthcoming Digital Strategy, as announced on 23 June 2020.

Caroline Dinenage: The Digital Strategy will set out how the Government wants to maximise the benefits of a tech-led recovery, whilst coherently addressing the challenges it poses.In his closing remarks at the UK Tech Cluster Group on the 23rd of June, the Secretary of State set out an overview of the Government’s aims for the Digital Strategy, including what might spark a digital drive for growth.Some of the key areas we will need to consider include creating the best data regime possible; ways to build a highly-skilled digital workforce; world-class, next generation infrastructure; ensuring that our regulatory regime for digital is pro-competitive and pro-innovation; and getting the UK’s best small and medium-sized shops and businesses making better use of tech and trading online. All these areas contribute to the same goal: driving growth and creating jobs.My officials in DCMS are continuing to develop the details of the strategy ahead of its publication in the autumn. We will be consulting widely, so that everyone can fully benefit from this digitally-led recovery.

Women and Equalities

Coronavirus: Ethnic Groups

Shabana Mahmood: To ask the Minister for Women and Equalities, what cross-departmental steps the Government is taking to reduce the increased risk posed by covid-19 to black, Asian, and minority ethnic communities.

Kemi Badenoch: The Government has implemented significant measures to reduce the spread of the virus in all communities, especially for people who may be at higher risk, and is working with COVID teams across departments and agencies to communicate and engage directly with ethnic minority communities.I am also working with the Race Disparity Unit and the Department for Health and Social Care to carry forward work on the findings of the Public Health England Report “COVID-19: review of disparities in risks and outcomes”. This includes reviewing the effectiveness and impact of current actions being undertaken by relevant government departments and their agencies to directly lessen disparities in infection and death rates of COVID-19.

Pornography: Internet

Fiona Bruce: To ask the Minister for Women and Equalities, when the Government Equalities Office research on online pornography will be published.

Fiona Bruce: To ask the Minister for Women and Equalities, with reference to the Answer of 5 August 2020 to Question HL17518 on pornography: internet, when the Government plans to publish the research on legal pornography and its effect on harmful behaviours and attitudes towards women and girls.

Kemi Badenoch: The Government Equalities Office has commissioned research to better understand the possible relationships between pornography use and negative attitudes and behaviours towards women and girls. The research will be published in due course.